Toshiba, partners win NEDO funds hydrogen energy project

NEDO, Japan’s organisation promoting new energy technologies, will help finance work on a complete hydrogen energy system by domestic firms Toshiba Corp (TYO:6502), Tohoku Electric Power (TOKYO:9506) and Iwatani Corp (TOKYO:8088).

The trio have joined hands in a project for the development and demonstration of a system that encompasses all processes from hydrogen production and storage to utilisation. Such a system will help stabilise electricity grids and allow for an increased use of renewables.

The feasibility study report will be ready by September 2017. If found feasible, the facility will be built in Fukushima prefecture. It will have a maximum capacity equivalent to 10 MW, using mainly solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power for the production of hydrogen. In addition to using hydrogen to offset grid loads, the gas will also be liquefied for delivery to locations in Tohoku and beyond.

“Iwatani considers that the development and demonstration of a hydrogen energy system through this project will contribute to the early establishment of a hydrogen economy,” said general manager Jun Miyazaki.

Japan aims to bring the share of renewables to 22%-24% of its total power generation by 2030, up from 10.7% in 2013.

NEDO stands for New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

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