Green Hydrogen Revolution: China Huadian Launches Tiaobinshan Methanol Project

It’s a bold move that lines up perfectly with China’s dual-carbon goals. China Huadian has just broken ground on the Tiaobinshan green hydrogen-to-methanol project in Tieling, Liaoning province—a hefty ¥3.9 billion ($548 million) venture. The pitch? Lean into Liaoning renewable energy—namely those steady winds—to crank out green hydrogen and then spin it into green methanol for export markets.

Project Overview and Core Goals

At the heart of Tiaobinshan is a 450 MW wind farm tied to a 295 MW electrolyzer. When it’s firing on all cylinders, you’re looking at roughly 19,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 100,000 tonnes of green methanol every year. Most of that methanol is destined for overseas buyers, giving China Huadian an early foothold in Europe and Asia’s low-carbon fuel markets.

How the Technology Works

This setup is all about wind-powered electrolysis. Turbines spin to feed renewable electricity into the 295 MW electrolyzer, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. Next, in the methanol synthesis unit, that green hydrogen teams up with captured CO₂ to produce green methanol. The result? Fossil-derived hydrogen gets benched, and lifecycle emissions take a big hit.

Solving Real-World Problems

By converting surplus wind energy into a high-value, transportable chemical, Tiaobinshan tackles major headaches in the chemicals and shipping sectors. Green methanol can replace coal-based feedstocks and heavy fuels, cutting emissions where direct electrification isn’t an option. Plus, it stabilizes the grid by absorbing wind power that might otherwise go unused.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

On the environmental front, swapping traditional methanol for this renewable version slashes CO₂ emissions. Economically, it breathes new life into Liaoning’s industrial base—tapping into Liaoning’s rich wind resources to build a fresh hydrogen ecosystem. Local officials expect dozens of direct jobs in plant operations and maintenance, plus a wave of indirect roles in logistics, construction, and beyond.

Local Impact: Jobs and Supply Chains

Made in Liaoning, made for China’s future—the project is a shot in the arm for local manufacturing. Think electrolyzer components rolling off nearby assembly lines and a network of suppliers, from steel fabricators to engineering firms. As a regional anchor, Tiaobinshan also paves the way for smaller off-take plants and downstream chemical parks.

Export Ambitions and Global Reach

Out of those 100,000 tonnes of green methanol, a significant slice is earmarked for shipyards and factories overseas. With Europe and Asia tightening up low-carbon fuel targets, China Huadian is busy locking in long-term offtake agreements. It’s a savvy play to cement China’s spot in the global green methanol supply chain.

State-Owned Enterprise at the Forefront

As one of China’s top five state-owned power groups, China Huadian can leverage solid capital and policy support to scale up green hydrogen commercialization. This project underscores how SOEs are pivotal in the national energy transition, aligning perfectly with recent pushes to develop hydrogen and its derivatives.

Historical Context and Regional Transition

Liaoning’s roots run deep in heavy industry and coal chemicals. After years of overcapacity and pollution, the province has been pivoting toward renewables. Tiaobinshan is the poster child for that shift—showing how legacy regions can reinvent themselves as leaders in the hydrogen economy.

Looking Ahead

With shovels hitting the ground on September 22, 2025, construction is in full swing. The aim is to fire up production by the late 2020s. If all goes to plan, this model—fusing wind, electrolysis, and methanol synthesis—could sprout across China. Even better, it’s a tangible example of how large-scale green hydrogen derivatives can drive both decarbonization and export-led growth, charting a cleaner path for Liaoning and beyond.