Kansai Electric Power, BIPROGY & Kawasaki Heavy Industries Launch Hydrogen Co-firing Project

Kansai Electric Power, BIPROGY, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Begin Hydrogen Co-firing Project

On August 22, Kansai Electric Power Co., BIPROGY Inc., and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. launched a pioneering project focusing on environmental value management in hydrogen co-firing power generation at the Himeji Second Power Plant. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to quantify CO2 emissions throughout the entire process, from hydrogen production to electricity supply, while tracking and managing the environmental value of hydrogen.

In this demonstration project, low-carbon hydrogen produced within the Himeji Second Power Plant area will be utilized. Moreover, the project will also include low-carbon hydrogen derived from nuclear energy produced in Fukui Prefecture and green hydrogen sourced from renewable energy in Yamanashi Prefecture. CO2 emissions will be calculated and hydrogen tracking will be conducted on an individual basis at 30-minute intervals. The goal is to verify whether the electricity generated from hydrogen co-firing can be identified as being sourced from low-carbon hydrogen or green hydrogen.

To ensure the reliability and integrity of the tracking methods, the project will be supported by DNV, a third-party certification body based in Oslo, Norway, which adheres to international standards. This is designed to provide clear and traceable electricity sourced from hydrogen production, taking into account factors such as energy sources, production time, and location, which will be made available to customers.

The partnership between the three companies aims to establish a robust environmental value management model in hydrogen power generation. This lays the foundation for enhancing the value of low-carbon hydrogen and promoting its broader utilization. Furthermore, they will jointly explore commercialization opportunities to contribute to the establishment of hydrogen supply chains and the realization of a future zero-carbon society.

Hydrogen holds significant potential as a cleaner energy source that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through this initiative, Kansai Electric, BIPROGY, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries endeavor to lead the way in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

This project aligns with the ongoing efforts supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), aimed at fostering innovation through the Green Innovation Fund.

With the rise of environmentally conscious practices, initiatives like this underscore the commitment of the energy sector to evolve and integrate sustainable methodologies. Kansai Electric and its partners are not just focusing on power generation but are also aiming to quantify and enhance the environmental value associated with their hydrogen products, illustrating a forward-thinking approach in the energy landscape.

In conclusion, this collaborative effort among Kansai Electric, BIPROGY, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signifies a substantial step towards the responsible management of green energy solutions, showcasing how the industry can pivot towards a more sustainable future while meeting the growing energy demands safely and responsibly.