Hydrogen energy, a crucial component in Japan's decarbonisation efforts, offers a promising solution as it emits no CO2 when used as fuel. Often referred to as the “Ultimate Clean Energy”, the ease and cost-effectiveness of converting existing gas-fired power plants to hydrogen make hydrogen gas turbines particularly advantageous. In June 2023, the Japanese government revised its Basic Hydrogen Strategy to support corporate initiatives, focusing on nine key technologies, including fuel cells and water electrolysis devices. With an investment of over JPY 15 trillion ($98.8 billion) planned over the next 15 years, the strategy aims to advance hydrogen technology. Leading the charge are Itochu Corp. and Osaka Gas, set to acquire up to 40% of Everfuel, a Danish-German hydrogen producer. But who are the other players in Japan?
Key Players
Toshiba Corporation- In 2020, Toshiba announced the H2One™, an independent energy supply system that uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. Toshiba ESS delivered and installed this hydrogen-based autonomous energy supply system on the rooftop of Trusted’s Home, Toranomon Hills Business Tower. H2One™ optimises the use of solar power by converting and storing the variable output of solar energy, depending on the time of day and weather, into hydrogen, which can be supplied as electric power on demand. The H2One™ lineup includes the green hydrogen station “H2One™ Station Unit” for fuel cell vehicles, as well as the “H2One™ Multi Station,” a combination unit that provides electricity and hot water to buildings and supports electric vehicles.
Source:Toshiba's H2One™
Kawasaki Heavy Industries- In 2010, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Tokyo laid out a vision to produce large quantities of hydrogen using competitively priced renewable energy and untapped resources overseas, transport it to Japan by ship, and connect it for domestic use. In the spring of 2022, Kawasaki Heavy Industries successfully completed a pilot project, with support from the governments of Japan and Australia, to transport liquefied hydrogen manufactured in Australia to Japan via sea. The hydrogen was cryogenically cooled to -253 degrees Celsius to change it to a liquid state, allowing for efficient transportation. Kawasaki is also exhibiting at the “World Hydrogen 2024 Summit and Exhibition,” showcasing their concept of linking hydrogen production to energy consumers, creating the “hydrogen road.”
Source:Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Iwatani Corporation- Japan's largest hydrogen supplier and a key player in the hydrogen energy sector, Iwatani Corporation operates hydrogen refuelling stations and develops hydrogen production and distribution systems. Partnering with various companies and organisations, Iwatani is actively expanding hydrogen infrastructure. Under the corporate slogan, “A world where all enjoy true comfort – this is Iwatani’s desire,” the company strives to address environmental concerns and achieve a carbon-free society through the use of hydrogen. Iwatani is already collaborating with automotive giants like Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda in the production of hydrogen vehicles and has established four fueling locations in California.
Source: Iwatani Corporation's Fuelling Stations
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries- Mitsubishi Power is working on hydrogen gas turbines and hydrogen production technologies, with plans to initiate the Takasago Hydrogen Park at its Takasago Machinery Works in Hyogo Prefecture in FY2023. This park will be the first in the world where the complete process—from hydrogen production and storage to power generation—can be tested and validated at in-house facilities. (According to a Q2 2022 gas turbine market share report by McCoy), Mitsubishi Power boasts the largest market share for power-generating gas turbines. The company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by mixing hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel, with natural gas, with the ultimate goal of eliminating all CO2 emissions through a 100% transition to hydrogen.
Source: Takasago Hydrogen Park
Panasonic Corporation- Together with Tokyo Gas Ltd., Panasonic developed a new version of their 'Ene-Farm' home fuel cell, combining a hot water unit and backup heat source. By reducing components, they achieved 95.0% efficiency (LHV), the world's highest in 2009, and the first Ene-Farm product in Japan priced under 2 million yen. Available since 2009, it is suitable for detached houses and condominiums, with easier installation across various locations.
In 2021, Panasonic announced a pure hydrogen fuel cell generator, using high-purity hydrogen and oxygen to generate power. Launching on October 1, 2021, for commercial use in Japan, it leverages ENE-FARM technology. Dubbed "H2 KIBOU," this generator embodies the hope for a hydrogen society.
Source: Pure Hydrogen fuel cell generator
Air LIquide Japan- The Air Liquide Group plans to invest approximately 8 billion euros in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Engaged extensively in hydrogen-related fields including manufacturing, storage, transportation, and application development, Air Liquide offers effective low-carbon technologies for challenging industrial emissions reductions, leveraging their CryocapTM expertise in carbon management. Additionally, Air Liquide and Siemens Energy have established a joint venture to mass-produce industrial-scale renewable hydrogen electrolyzers in Europe, aiming to foster a sustainable hydrogen economy across the continent. This Franco-German partnership combines their strengths to implement large-scale industrial hydrogen projects, such as the Air Liquide Normandy electrolyzer project in France, which anticipates a 200 megawatt output in its initial phase.
Source: Air Liquide's Fuelling Station
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Author:
Asha Mistry
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