In 2021, Energy Foundation China supported the HD Environmental Consortium to study the development potential and utilization ways of hydrogen energy in municipal treatment plants. Their findings were released in this report of July 2021.

It investigates various industrial and academic hydrogen production methods, before proposing a best route for hydrogen production by combining photovoltaic power with water electrolysis. It also analyzes the route’s development potential, carbon emissions, cost-effectiveness, and policy barriers.

The report is the first study on the hydrogen production potential of sewage plants coupled with solar power and electrolytic water. The researchers hope it will help with green development of the photovoltaic industry, innovation of hydrogen production, and reuse of wastewater.