In a first for The Hydrogen Leader Podcast, we welcomed a guest from China, a country playing an increasingly central role in shaping the global hydrogen economy. Zhijie Duan, General Manager of To High Hydrogen, joined the podcast to offer a rare and insightful look into how hydrogen innovation, safety, and business culture are evolving in China.
Zhijie’s company, based in Baoding, northern China, is not only a major testing service provider for hydrogen technologies but also designs and manufactures test equipment, trains industry professionals, and advises on hydrogen safety. With more than 700,000 hours of testing experience and over 300 test benches, To High is a key player supporting both domestic and international hydrogen players.
A Business Built on Testing, Trust, and Technology
To High was originally born from Great Wall Motors' internal fuel cell lab, but was spun out as an independent company in 2022. Since then, it has expanded from a test service provider to a full-spectrum hydrogen technology partner.
“We test, we build, we consult — but most importantly, we support the entire supply chain by making hydrogen safer, better, and more cost-effective,” said Zhijie.
This evolution reflects broader trends in China's hydrogen sector — a shift from lab-based innovation to commercial-scale implementation.
Trends in Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
Working with a wide variety of clients across hydrogen production, storage, and mobility, Zhijie sees the full spectrum of what’s being developed and tested in China. According to her, two core challenges dominate the landscape: cost and safety.
- Cost is largely driven by material choices, process quality, and system design.
- Safety hinges on one thing above all: hydrogen leakage control.
“The sweet spot lies in finding that balance — making systems safe enough without making them too expensive to build or scale,” she noted.
Her team plays a key role in helping clients find that balance through rigorous testing and shared learning.
Is Hydrogen Really a Priority in China?
The answer is yes but not in the way outsiders might assume. While China’s government has indeed made hydrogen part of its national decarbonization strategy, it is not directing every move.
“The government sets the target, but it is businesses, researchers, and engineers who build the industry,” Zhijie explained.
She emphasized that in China, hydrogen is increasingly seen as the key to decarbonizing sectors electricity cannot reach — such as aviation, steelmaking, and long-haul transport. In her view, the hydrogen economy in China is not waiting it's actively scaling.
Why Investment in China Flows Differently
Zhijie explained that hydrogen projects in China are largely market-driven, with many bold investors and forward-looking companies backing technology without relying heavily on public subsidies. With a large internal market, visionary investors, and a culture that embraces new technologies, China has created conditions where private capital plays a significant role.
“When a lot of people move in the same direction, the confidence grows and investment follows,” she said.
This approach contrasts with regions like Europe, where public funding still plays a critical role in getting hydrogen projects off the ground due to higher financing risk.
A Global Mindset, A Local Foundation
Zhijie’s long-term vision for To High is to expand its international presence including offering its test equipment and safety expertise to clients in Europe.
“We don’t just sell equipment. We use it ourselves first. Only when we trust its performance do we provide it to clients,” she said.
To High’s combination of practical experience, high test volumes, and engineering know-how positions it as a strong collaborator for anyone looking to validate and scale hydrogen systems globally.
Leadership with Joy and Purpose
As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Zhijie brings a refreshing perspective. She doesn’t focus on the gender gap, but instead on building a culture of happiness, trust, and collaboration within her company.
“I believe in being happy at work. Challenges are everywhere, but if solving them brings you joy, then hydrogen is the right place to be,” she said.
Her advice to young professionals: find meaning in your work, embrace challenges, and stay open to learning. The hydrogen industry needs problem-solvers who are resilient, curious, and excited by what’s possible.
The Big Picture: Collaboration Is the Future
As host Dr. Björn Lüssow noted, Hyfindr’s mission is to build bridges, across companies, technologies, and countries. Zhijie’s openness to collaboration, her willingness to share insights, and her clear long-term vision are exactly what the hydrogen economy needs to grow globally.
“We can only grow this industry together,” Björn said. “That means Germany, Europe, China, the US; all working side by side.”
To learn more, watch the full podcast episode here. If you like the video, please also subscribe The Hydrogen Leader podcast channel to get exclusive insights in leadership, personal growth, and the hydrogen revolution. Join Dr. Björn Lüssow, as he hosts podcast interviews with CEOs, industry leaders, and innovators shaping the clean energy transition.