In the heart of the Central Plains, the Zhongyuan Nepe Group, a prominent player in the automotive component manufacturing industry, is steering towards a transformative journey powered by hydrogen energy. Within their state-of-the-art laboratory, dedicated researchers engage meticulously in testing and analyzing various components, as they embark on an ambitious collaboration with Shanghai Reus Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a leader in the fuel cell sector.

The nature of this partnership revolves around shared responsibilities—Reus Energy spearheads the research and development of critical elements such as stack technology, membrane electrodes, and hydrogen equipment, while Zhongyuan Nepe focuses on industrial production, rigorous testing, and market distribution. This cooperation highlights a strategic alignment between innovation and commercialization within the rapidly evolving hydrogen energy landscape.

Zhongyuan Nepe, headquartered in Mengzhou, Henan Province, is recognized nationally as a high-tech enterprise that specializes in the research, production, and sales of key automotive components. The company has positioned itself as a front-runner in supplying advanced piston component systems, an arena in which it has accrued significant experience and expertise. As China intensifies its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, Zhongyuan Nepe is leveraging its abundant resources to facilitate growth in the hydrogen energy and fuel cell sectors, striving to carve out new avenues for development and competitive advantage. The ambitious goal set for 2030 aims for an annual production of 150,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines, 300,000 air compressors, 200,000 humidifiers, and 20 million bipolar plates, a clear testament to their forward-thinking approach.

To realize its hydrogen energy ambitions, Zhongyuan Nepe has actively forged alliances with various enterprises, universities, and research institutions. This collaborative framework serves to advance technical research and practical outcomes. Notably, the company has inaugurated its first production line for hydrogen fuel cell engines, as well as a performance testing platform, marking a significant milestone in its operational expansion.

As of November 18, 2023, the first batch of hydrogen fuel cell engines rolled off the production line, with 50 units being delivered to Yutong Group. This development is being heralded as a pivotal event in Zhongyuan Nepe's operational history, epitomizing its shift from traditional internal combustion manufacturing to embracing the zero-emission hydrogen energy sector. Earlier in July of the same year, the company achieved the production and testing of an additional 47 hydrogen fuel cell engines, further affirming its place in this burgeoning industry.

In line with the active promotion of hydrogen energy projects, Zhongyuan Nepe has boldly established Mingda Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. This new venture positions itself firmly within the hydrogen fuel cell air compressor and hydrogen circulation pump sectors, undertaking a comprehensive approach that spans research and development, production, and sales.

A key cornerstone of this initiative is the assembly of a team of industry-leading experts and technical professionals, whose wealth of experience and specialized knowledge enables them to surmount various technological challenges. Their commitment to enhancing product performance, efficiency, and stability aims to elevate the company to an industry-leading position. From the initial design concepts to numerous simulation tests, followed by enhancements in real-world applications, every aspect reflects the intellectual investment and creativity of the research team.

The production phase is equally critical, with substantial investments made to build modernized production facilities, incorporating state-of-the-art equipment and intelligent management systems. These efforts ensure an efficient, accurate, and stable production process. It is worth noting that the first phase of the air compressor production line has been successfully completed, involving intricate installation processes where each component is precisely positioned. Following this, meticulous test procedures ensured that all parameters were double-checked and calibrated to optimize performance.

Moreover, the final acceptance phase involved an extensive evaluation of the production line against multiple criteria before officially declaring it operational. The successful undertaking of this project underscores the company's commitment to excellence and quality assurance in its production processes.

On the market development front, thanks to its high-quality products and strong brand reputation, Mingda Hydrogen Energy has secured orders for 100 air compressors, a clear validation of the quality and engineering behind its products. Currently, the company is steadily fulfilling these orders, with each delivered compressor symbolizing its dedication to customer promise and its ambition for ongoing growth within the hydrogen energy sector. In an interview, the Deputy General Manager of Zhongyuan Nepe Mingda Hydrogen Energy, Wen Xuewei, expressed pride and satisfaction over these achievements, reflecting a robust confidence in the company's future trajectory.

Additionally, Zhongyuan Nepe Group has invested in Tianfang (Jiangsu) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd., focusing on joint research, production, and sales of humidifiers and deionizers for hydrogen fuel cell systems. Moreover, it has partnered with Shanghai Reus Energy and Beijing Qianpu Chuangneng Technology Co., Ltd. to establish Beijing Yuzhou Tongda Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd., dedicated to the research, production, and sale of metallic bipolar plates used in hydrogen energy fuel cells. As Zhongyuan Nepe solidifies its position within the hydrogen fuel cell ecosystem, a comprehensive supply chain is emerging within the industry.

Emphasizing the deep-rooted partnerships it has cultivated with both domestic and international stakeholders over the years, Zou Wuhui, Chief Engineer at Zhongyuan Nepe, notes that the company has nurtured a cadre of skilled professionals. Their expertise ensures the management capabilities in research design, quality control, and production align with international standards, thereby accelerating market expansion. The core components of hydrogen energy fuel cell systems—humidifiers and deionizers—have already commenced sales, with the development of hydrogen circulation pumps and air bearings nearing completion and in testing phases. Air compressor units have seen successful demonstration applications, with a reported 103 units deployed, showcasing the real-world viability of their products.

In the first three quarters of this year, Zhongyuan Nepe achieved a remarkable revenue of 2.464 billion Yuan, representing an 18.9% year-on-year increase. While enhancing and extending the traditional automotive components supply chain, the group remains steadfast in its dual-track strategy which simultaneously develops automotive engine and body components alongside hydrogen energy power systems and components. This approach not only augments innovation management but also adheres to lean production principles for sustained market competitiveness. Zou Wuhui confidently asserts the company's path forward is not only promising but also vital in contributing to the broader energy transition in the automotive space.