noteProject Overview
Hydrogen can not only directly contribute to the decarbonization of the power generation sector by converting surplus power into hydrogen for storage and utilization, it can also maximize its potential as a zero-emission renewable energy power source. Hydrogen is therefore expected to be used as a secondary energy source for achieving carbon neutrality and contribute to decarbonization in industrial fields such as raw material utilization and heat demand where decarbonization through electrification is difficult.
To promote the social implementation of hydrogen, supply costs must be reduced by increasing the size of supply facilities while also creating large-scale hydrogen demand. However, since long-term hydrogen demand is currently uncertain, it is difficult for private companies to make large-scale investments in infrastructure. To reduce this uncertainty, a social implementation model must be established that can increase supply and create hydrogen demand by maximizing use of existing infrastructure.One such model focuses on the utilization of water electrolysers for self-consumption and hydrogen utilization in nearby areas.
To achieve this social implementation model, as well as establish a domestic hydrogen production base and develop markets overseas, the aim of this project is to develop technologies at a close-to-commercial level that will realize alkaline type water electrolysers at a cost of 52,000 yen/kW and PEM type water electrolysers at a cost of 65,000 yen/kW.
Project Features
Technology development for increasing the size of water electrolysers, and Power-to-X large-scale demonstrations
In order to realize technologies capable of reducing the cost of alkaline type and PEM type water electrolysers by 2030, R&D will take place on technology for increasing in size and modularizing scalable water electrolysers that can be mass produced, technology for mounting important components in water elecrolysers, such as membranes and catalysts, and technology for efficient system operation methods to replace fossil fuels and raw materials with hydrogen in industrial processes that use water electrolysers.
Establishment of performance evaluation technologies for water electrolysers
Technologies will be developed for evaluating stack performance, including levels of efficiency and durability, under various operating conditions (e.g., output fluctuations by simulating renewable energy and high-voltage operations) for alkaline type and PEM type water electrolysers.