The development of hydrogen economy is an effective way to achieve peak carbon
emission and carbon neutralization. Therein, the green production of hydrogen is
a prerequisite to reach the goal of decarbonization. As an ideal route, water
electrolysis has triggered intense responses under the strong support from
policies, which further presenting a phenomenon of water electrolysis equipment
manufactures competing to enter the market. However, the extensive growth mode
is not conducive to a long term healthy development of the water electrolysis
hydrogen production market where products can be sold without requiring
compulsory inspection or quality inspection process due to the absence of laws
and test & evaluation standards. Considering the market status and
technology maturity, the main working principles and characteristics of alkaline
water electrolysis (AWE) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen production
systems are summarized, and the test frameworks of the AWE and PEM hydrogen
production systems are mainly introduced. Combining the current technology and
market status of water electrolysis system, and referring to the progress of its
test & evaluation methods, this study analyzed the test & evaluation
methods of the whole product chains from material, single cell, stack, balance
of plant (BOP) to the system levels. At the same time, referring to the
progresses in the test & evaluation methods, relevant suggestions are given
for the establishment of test specifications and standards of water electrolysis
hydrogen production system in emerging technology countries. The present study
is significant to the improvement of water electrolysis technology and the
standardized development.