Sinopec’s Tender for 48 Alkaline Electrolyzers

From Sinopec’s Tender for 48 Alkaline Electrolyzers: A Glimpse into New Trends in Green Hydrogen Procurement by Major Energy Enterprises

August 23, Sinopec launched a large-scale tender for alkaline electrolyzers to support its green hydrogen project at the Ordos Coal Chemical base. The company is procuring 48 sets of 1,000–1,500 Nm³/h electrolyzers in a single batch, with a total installed capacity expected to reach 240–360 MW. This makes it one of the largest single tenders for alkaline electrolyzers in China to date.

Beyond its unprecedented scale, the tender sends strong signals in terms of technical requirements, supplier qualifications, and operational verification, revealing a significant shift in how major energy enterprises approach green hydrogen procurement.

Trend 1: From “prototype-focused” to “performance-driven” — emphasizing real delivery and long-term reliability
The tender explicitly requires bidders to demonstrate sales records of at least eight sets of ≥1,000 Nm³/h self-manufactured round alkaline electrolyzers since 2022, with proof such as contracts, invoices, technical agreements, and leak test records.
Critically, at least one unit must have accumulated over 1,000 hours of operation, verified by DCS screenshots with timestamps and user certification—excluding test platforms or prototypes. This reflects the owner’s focus on proven industrial-scale production and project delivery capabilities. In short, real-world performance outweighs theoretical parameters, as green hydrogen moves from the lab into large-scale commercial deployment.

Trend 2: Strengthening full-chain manufacturing capabilities — eliminating “OEM relabeling” to ensure quality control
In addition to operational records, the tender imposes detailed manufacturing requirements: suppliers must have (or lease) their own workshops, lifting equipment, assembly platforms, and leak test facilities, supported by photos with location markers and invoices.
They must also possess a ≥5 MW full-system test platform (leasing permitted) to validate system integration. These clauses directly target “independent manufacturing” and “quality assurance,” signaling that Sinopec values not just the end product but also the sustainable, standardized production system and quality management capabilities behind it.

In summary, Sinopec’s tender marks a new phase of green hydrogen procurement by major energy enterprises—characterized by higher standards, greater scrutiny, and rigorous verification. Procurement is no longer just about “buying equipment” but about selecting long-term strategic partners with proven delivery and service capabilities.
This trend will drive the electrolyzer industry from prototype competition to real industrial competition, accelerating the transition of green hydrogen from demonstration projects toward true commercial maturity.