HydGene visits Fukuoka: Exploring Japan’s emerging Hydrogen ecosystem

HydGene Renewables was recently selected to tour the Fukuoka Prefecture of Japan, where a regional hydrogen supply chain and ecosystem are emerging. Jointly supported by the Fukuoka Prefectural Government and New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), it was both a great privilege and an inspirational experience to visit the heavy industry manufacturing precincts of Japan, meet with industry leaders, enjoy fabulous food, and see first-hand how a hydrogen ecosystem can develop.

Dr. Louise Brown (CEO) and Dr. Natalie Curach (CCO) took part in the busy 4 day program. The sites visited included the hydrogen research program at Kyushu University, The Kitakyushu Eco Town Centre, the city’s hydrogen refuelling stations and riding in the hydrogen fuelled vehicles on the road. Other interesting sites included the Hibiki power station, supplementing town gas with hydrogen, the integration of sewage-to-methane-to-hydrogen at the wastewater treatment facility and the Hydrogen Energy and Test Research Centre, where the limits of hydrogen tanks and associated equipment are tested to extremes, with results that are indeed impressive to see!

Other fascinating visits were the enormous operations at Nippon Coke & Engineering and, of course, the Toyota factory – continual improvement in motion and the originator of lean manufacturing. The experience was captivating.

The insights and exposure to these impressive sites was thought-provoking and inspired much contemplation on broader issues such as national economies, big industry, global trade, sustainability, and business. All of which have made a lasting impression and will only make HydGene better positioned as we scale up to commercialisation. We thank the Fukuoka Prefecture Government for their support and kind hospitality for our visit. We hope to see you again soon.