#Japan #Tokyo #Hydrogen Energy #Blossom Energy #Zero Emission Tokyo

Tokyo's Commitment to Zero Emission

In the face of escalating climate issues and significant global shifts in societal conditions, the Tokyo government has developed the "Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy Beyond Carbon Half". This ambitious initiative sets a new target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, reflecting Tokyo's determination to tackle climate change head-on. In alignment with this strategy, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation are conducting a significant project aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to zero-emission industries. This initiative includes a funding program focused on product development, encouraging SMEs to explore the field of zero-emission technologies.

Funding Program Overview

The recent announcement highlights 12 projects that will receive funding under the Zero Emission Promotion Support Program for the fiscal year 2023, which aims to assist local SMEs in their transitions toward sustainable practices. The main points of the program include:

• - Eligible Applicants:

- (Individual Application): SMEs actively conducting business within Tokyo.
- (Joint Application): Groups of SMEs from Tokyo or SME associations.

• - Funding Limits:

- For individual applications: Up to 15 million yen.
- For joint applications: Up to 30 million yen.

• - Grant Rate: Up to two-thirds of the costs recognized as eligible expenses.

• - Funding Period: From the grant approval date, projects can be funded for a maximum of 18 months.

• - Application Requirement: Products or technologies must fall under one of the following policies outlined in Tokyo's strategy:

- Policy 1: Core energy from renewable sources.
- Policy 2: Expansion of zero-emission buildings.
- Policy 3: Promotion of zero-emission mobility.
- Policy 4: Widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.
- Policy 5: Transition to a circular economy addressing sustainable resource use, plastic countermeasures, and food waste reduction.
- Policy 6: Measures against fluorocarbons.
- Policy 7: Initiatives for adapting to climate change.

Selected Projects for FY 2023

Twelve projects have been officially selected for this year's funding, each addressing various aspects of the zero-emission initiatives:

Policy 1: Core Energy from Renewable Sources

• - Blossom Energy Inc.: Development of devices enabling multifunctional use of graphite heat storage.

Policy 2: Expansion of Zero-Emission Buildings

• - Smat Corp: Development of an optimized process management feature linked to inventory management.
• - Shinshi Co., Ltd.: Development of a sustainable product (e.g., resin-based refrigerator showcase doors).
• - Japan Material Tech: Development of variable thermal conduction materials aimed at energy-saving heating and cooling.

Policy 3: Promotion of Zero-Emission Mobility

• - Astro Design Inc.: Development of measurement devices contributing to mobility energy efficiency.

Policy 4: Widespread Adoption of Hydrogen Energy

• - Nishikawa Seiki Manufacturing Co.: Development of a hydrogen supply franchise system for FCV assembly.

Policy 5: Transition to a Circular Economy

• - IMU GENOS Co., Ltd.: Enhancement of practical thermal decomposition technology using far-infrared rays.
• - Calxcerum Co., Ltd.: Development of a manufacturing process for exterior materials from CO2-hardened lime minerals.
• - Kawaiichi Tech Co.: Development of a sustainable non-breaking hanger designed with circular considerations in mind.
• - CO2 Resource Research Institute: Development of technology for producing high-end alcohol from CO2 raw materials.

Policy 7: Initiatives for Adapting to Climate Change

• - Upside LLC: Development of a marine environment GIS utilizing digital twin technology.
• - Eikou Seiki Co.: Development of DIAL systems for measuring temperature and humidity necessary for adapting to climate change.

Conclusion

This funding initiative is a critical step towards achieving Tokyo's long-term vision, supporting industries and growing small businesses as they adapt and innovate for a sustainable future. The engaging projects and their respective companies reflect the dynamic movement towards zero-emission strategies and underline the Tokyo government's commitment to addressing global climate challenges.

For more information regarding this initiative, please contact:

• - General Inquiries: Industrial Labor Bureau, Business Support Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Phone: 03-5320-7589

• - Inquiries about Grants and Project Details: Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation, Comprehensive Support Division, Tama Branch.

Phone: 042-500-3901

This project aligns with the "2050 Tokyo Strategy" under Strategy 13: Supporting and Promoting Growth for SMEs.