Decoding China's hydrogen development: A content analysis of policy objectives and instruments

China has positioned hydrogen energy as pivotal for future energy security and has rapidly emerged as a major global producer of hydrogen. Understanding how the Chinese government fosters hydrogen energy development remains complex. This study addresses this gap by scrutinizing 184 policy texts from 2016 to July 2023 using a “policy objective-policy instrument” framework. The analysis reveals a dynamic and evolving landscape of policy support. The government has established an industrialization-oriented policy objective system, prioritizing binding, safeguarding, and short-term support instruments. A case study of the Pearl River Delta region illustrates how local governments maneuver within the national macro-policy framework while retaining flexibility and autonomy in their interventions. However, there is still a crucial gap in intrinsically driven policy support. To bridge this gap, we propose a balanced approach to policy objectives, an optimal blend of instruments, and enhanced policy collaboration among government actors at all levels. Addressing these challenges is imperative for China to fully unleash the transformative potential of hydrogen energy and cement its position as a global leader in this burgeoning sector. • Analyzing 184 policy texts to unravel China's hydrogen energy policy landscape. • Policy content analysis is based on “policy objective-policy instrument” framework. • Flexibility retains in policy interaction between central and local government. • We provide insights for policy formulation to unleash hydrogen energy's transition. • A balanced approach is proposed to policy objectives and an optimal instrument mix.