LocationsUNDP Opening Remarks at the 2026 International Hydrogen Congress and the "15th Five-Year Plan" Hydrogen Energy Development Forum
March 25, 2026
Mr. Vineet Bhatia, Senior Advisor, UNDP China Delivering the Opening Remarks
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is a great pleasure to join you today at the 2026 International Hydrogen Congress and the 15th Five-Year Plan Hydrogen Energy Development Forum.
On behalf of UNDP China, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Energy Administration, the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, the China Hydrogen Alliance, and all partners for organizing this pivotal event. The year 2026 carries special significance. China has embarked on its 15th Five-Year Plan—a roadmap that places green development and renewable energy at the very heart of national progress. At the same time, UNDP China has launched its new Country Programme Document (2026 - 2030), with sustainable development, climate action, and the clean energy transition as central pillars. This convergence of China's forward-looking ambition and UNDP's strategic priorities reflects a shared commitment to confronting the global climate crisis while advancing innovation, inclusive growth, and social resilience.
We are pleased to share plans for the upcoming initiation of the Ordos UNDP Green Hydrogen Sustainable Development Demonstration Project. This landmark collaboration between UNDP, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the China Hydrogen Alliance, and the People's Government of Ejin Horo Banner in Ordos represents a transformative leap toward integrating green hydrogen into energy systems, transportation, and industrial processes. With Ordos one of China’s 11 National SDG Demo Zones, it stands not only as a local initiative, but also as a model that can be learned from across the country and globally. The project will look to demonstrate how green hydrogen can be a cornerstone of the energy transition - decarbonizing critical sectors, catalyzing local economic development, and opening new pathways of opportunity for communities around the world.
And this is critical, with the global energy transition at a crucial juncture. Despite 41 countries now having adopted hydrogen strategies, green hydrogen still accounted for less than 1% of global hydrogen production in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency[i]. There thus remains immense potential to scale up green hydrogen solutions, and China, as a global leader in hydrogen technology, can continue to pave the way with its ambitious Hydrogen Energy Development Plan (2021–2035). Indeed, renewable hydrogen can play a pivotal role in helping the country succeed in realizing its landmark Dual Carbon Goals – to peak carbon emissions before 2030, reachand ultimately reach carbon neutrality before 2060[ii].
"By investing in green hydrogen today, we are helping to address the climate crisis while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity."
At UNDP, we have been a long standing supporter of China’s hydrogen journey. Since 2003, we have partnered with the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote fuel cell technologies, and more recently with the China Hydrogen Alliance to support vocational training and green hydrogen innovation. Today, China has the world’s largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles and the largest network of hydrogen refueling stations - achievements only possible through the collective efforts of all stakeholders present here.
However, challenges remain. To fully realize the potential of green hydrogen, we must continue working to address critical issues, including reducing costs, building robust infrastructure, harmonizing global standards, and ensuring environmental and social safeguards. We must also invest in workforce readiness by retraining workers from carbon-intensive industries and fostering equitable access to green jobs to ensure an inclusive energy transition.
The theme of this year’s forum, "Boosting New Quality Productive Forces in Hydrogen to Fuel a Greener 15th Five-Year Plan," could not be timelier. By investing in green hydrogen today, we are helping to address the climate crisis while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity.
In closing, let me reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to advancing green development and renewable energy in China and globally. The Ordos Green Hydrogen Project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership and innovation focused on tackling the pressing challenges of our time. Let us use this momentum to accelerate action, deepen collaboration, and ensure green hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of a more sustainable future for all.
Thank you, and I wish this conference a great success!
[i] International Energy Agency (IEA) – Global Hydrogen Review 2025- https://www.iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review-2025
[ii] National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and National Energy Administration (NEA) – Medium and Long-Term Plan for the Development of Hydrogen Energy Industry (2021–2035)- https://en.ndrc.gov.cn/
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