Revised strategy to promote hydrogen usage

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230606_13/

Tuesday, June 6, 5:14



Government officials have agreed on a new strategy to promote the use of hydrogen in Japan. It's the first revision to their basic strategy in six years. It comes as the United States and countries in Europe are increasing investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Nine technologies are to be positioned as strategic fields. They are to receive public and private investments of over 15 trillion yen, or more than 107 billion dollars, over the next 15 years.

Among them are fuel cells and water electrolysis, areas that Japan is seen as having a competitive advantage.

A basic strategy on hydrogen was originally formulated in 2017. It called for Japan to lead the world in creating a "hydrogen society."

The government has since been encouraging the use of hydrogen in fuel cells for automobiles and for thermal power generation.

The revised strategy includes plans to build larger vessels to import hydrogen, thereby constructing a reliable supply chain.

The government hopes its efforts will increase hydrogen use by six-fold to around 12 million tons in 2040.