Economy & Tech

Pioneering Green Hydrogen System Launched to Push Decarbonization

Yamanashi’s green hydrogen system is being tested at a factory in Saitama, marking Japan’s first factory installation to support energy transition efforts.

Published

2 months ago

August 27, 2024

Takashi Hirao

Unit 1 of the Yamanashi Model P2G System that began trial operation on August 6, 2024, in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. (©Sankei by Takashi Hirao)

Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - Pioneering Green Hydrogen System Launched to Push Decarbonization

On August 6, a trial operation began for the green hydrogen production system led by Yamanashi Prefecture. Unit 1 of the Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas (P2G) System was started on a trial basis at a concrete component factory in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. This marks the first installation of green hydrogen production equipment at an existing factory in Japan.

The system is designed to support the switch from fossil fuels like city gas and heavy oil to green hydrogen. As it emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), green hydrogen is linked to decarbonization efforts. Yamanashi Prefecture is leading the way in promoting P2G technology. Plans are in place to introduce one of the world's largest P2G systems.

Utilizing as Boiler Fuel

The system was introduced at a Taisei U-Lec factory in Kawagoe. A subsidiary of major general contractor Taisei Corporation, Taisei U-Lec manufactures construction concrete components. The PEM type P2G system was jointly developed by Yamanashi Prefecture, Toray, TEPCO Energy Partner, and others. A small 500-kilowatt type is now operating.

The P2G system electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen using electricity generated from 1 MW solar power equipment installed on the factory's roof. This hydrogen is used as boiler fuel to generate steam. That heat is then utilized in the curing process to accelerate concrete hardening.

Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to read more about plans to mass produce the green hydrogen system to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.

And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our affiliated website Japan 2 Earth (J2E), sparking a transition to a sustainable future.