Local authorities in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, hope to accelerate the growth of the city's hydrogen energy industry over the next few years, providing a new driver of economic growth for the city's economy.

Rugao was one of the first areas in the country to develop a hydrogen energy industry, and it has recently announced three new initiatives to encourage further expansion.

First, the city will place more emphasis on the new energy automobile industry and accelerate R&D on hydrogen energy automobiles.

Second, it will encourage companies to set up R&D centers and promote technological innovation, attaching equal importance to independent development and international cooperation.

Third, it will attract more companies and highly-skilled professionals working in the industry to the city.

Last October, the city hosted the 3rd International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Congress, and the fourth congress will be held in the city from Sept 26 to 28 this year.

An aerial view of the hydrogen energy industry town in Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province [Photo/IC]