On April 17th, following Shandong's lead, Sichuan has also announced toll-free access to highways for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Reportedly, Sichuan will vigorously support the development of the hydrogen energy industry, focusing on application orientation, leveraging resource advantages, promoting the high-quality development of the entire green hydrogen industry chain, addressing challenges at various stages, and promoting the healthy development of the hydrogen energy industry.
A relevant official from the Department of Transportation stated that the next step will be to actively explore policy space, increase guidance efforts, explore toll-free highway access for hydrogen energy vehicles, encourage city governments to lift restrictions on hydrogen-powered trucks in urban areas, and encourage cities with conditions to comprehensively promote the renewal of hydrogen energy equipment.
An official from the Provincial Development and Reform Commission stated that in the next step, Sichuan will explore off-grid electrolysis for hydrogen production, and coordinate the planning and construction of hydrogen refueling stations and charging infrastructure, providing subsidies to hydrogen refueling stations according to the standards of charging infrastructure.
Prior to this, Shandong Province also announced measures to actively promote the "Hydrogen into Every Household" technology demonstration project, support cross-regional operation of hydrogen vehicles, and temporarily exempt tolls for highway access.
Starting from March 1, 2024, Shandong exempts hydrogen vehicles equipped with ETC devices from toll fees on provincial highways, with a trial period of 2 years, subject to timely adjustments based on implementation.
