Sunwise and Baogang partner on rare-earth solid-state hydrogen storage for locomotives
Shanghai Sunwise Energy Systems Co., Ltd. and Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd. have signed a supply contract for complete ground-based energy supply station equipment and a process package for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive project. The agreement moves their cooperation on an Inner Mongolia Technology Breakthrough priority project into implementation.
01 | Addressing high-density hydrogen storage challenges
The cooperation will provide ground infrastructure for Baotou Steel Group’s regional technology project, Research on the Application of High-Density Rare-Earth Solid-State Hydrogen Storage in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Rail Locomotives.
Conventional hydrogen refueling stations generally use compressed gaseous hydrogen storage. This project instead focuses on solid-state hydrogen storage. Sunwise’s station solution integrates a solid-state storage unit, compressor, hydrogen dispenser, electric vehicle charging facilities and heating and cooling systems.
By reversibly absorbing and releasing hydrogen within a solid-state storage material, the solution can provide higher volumetric hydrogen storage density and improve storage safety. This is a promising approach for rail applications with limited space and demanding load requirements.
02 | An integrated energy supply hub
The station is designed to use the existing hydrogen supply pipeline within the plant. Its solid-state storage unit will serve as backup storage, supporting locomotive refueling and matching operational requirements.
Safe storage: hydrogen storage pressure at or below 5 MPa, compared with 20 MPa or 45 MPa for conventional compressed gaseous hydrogen storage.
Stable supply: controlled heating of the solid-state unit releases high-purity hydrogen according to locomotive demand.
Complementary energy: integrated charging facilities provide additional electrical energy for the hybrid system, coordinating hydrogen and electric power.
The project offers research and demonstration value for efficient, safe station storage. If successfully validated, it could provide a practical solid-state storage pathway for reducing emissions from heavy-duty locomotives.
03 | Supporting industrial decarbonization through technology
As an early participant in China’s hydrogen industry, Sunwise develops customized solutions focused on safety, low emissions and efficiency.
Its technologies span by-product hydrogen purification, water electrolysis, compressed gaseous hydrogen storage and transport, and now energy supply using solid-state hydrogen storage. Cooperation with Baotou Steel marks another milestone in hydrogen rail transport and supports China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
Sunwise will continue developing technology to support the transition and high-quality development of energy-intensive industries such as steel and metallurgy, seeking to maximize the carbon reduction value of hydrogen.
Contributed by Tan Jian, Hydrogen Infrastructure Division
Reviewed by Shun Ren
English edition of the original Chinese page. Historical statements, dates and figures are retained as published.