Exploring Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies: Latest Trends and Challenges in a Comprehensive Seminar

Understanding Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: The Seminar

The IR Engineering Education Institute is hosting a comprehensive open seminar focused on hydrogen production methods and the principles and types of fuel cells. This event aims to equip attendees with a solid foundation while exploring the latest global developments, challenges, and future prospects in the hydrogen sector.

Hydrogen, touted as a clean energy source that "returns to water after use," holds great promise for the future. However, the landscape is not without its challenges, as various projects worldwide have experienced cancellations or withdrawals, making it imperative to accurately assess its viability and potential. Furthermore, the difference in approaches between Japan and other countries complicates decision-making regarding hydrogen adoption. This seminar seeks to clarify both the expectations and challenges of hydrogen technology, providing a comprehensive understanding of its current status.

Seminar Overview

- Seminar Title: Basics of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies and Recent Trends
- Format: In-person or Online (Live Zoom broadcast/Archive available)
- Location:

- In-person: IR Japan Co., Ltd. Headquarters Seminar Room
- Online: Live broadcast and archive on Zoom

- Date and Time:

- In-person/Live: July 30, 2026 (Thursday) from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Archive: Available from August 3 to August 17, 2026 (unlimited access during this period)

- Participation Fee: ¥39,600 per person (tax included)
- Capacity:

- In-person: 16 participants
- Online: No limit

- Instructor: Mr. Yutaka Mori, Head of Mori Yutaka Engineering Office

Course Content

The seminar will cover a comprehensive range of topics, starting with the basics of hydrogen—its characteristics and applications—leading into hydrogen production methods and the principles and types of fuel cells, specifically PEFCs (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells) and SOFCs (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells). Participants will gain insights through concrete examples such as energy farms, fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and the setup of hydrogen stations.

The seminar will then delve into domestic trends and compare the latest developments from global perspectives, covering Japan, the EU, the U.S., China, and South Korea, wrapping up with insights into challenges and future prospects in hydrogen adoption.

Seminar Program

1. Basics Section

- Introduction to Hydrogen: Why Hydrogen? Characteristics and Applications, including Ammonia
- Fundamentals of Fuel Cells and Fuels: Principles and Structures, Types and Characteristics with a Focus on PEFC and SOFC, their Features and Challenges
- Concrete Examples: An Overview of Energy Farms, Key Features of FCVs, and Hydrogen Station Configuration and Equipment
- Hydrogen Production Methods and Relevant Regulations

2. Trends Section

- Current Status and Trends of Fuel Cells in Domestic Applications (Energy Farms, FCVs, buses, trucks, forklifts, railways, aviation, shipping, etc.)
- Status and Trends of Hydrogen in Japan (Hydrogen Stations, Hydrogen Power Generation, Electrolysis Equipment, etc.)
- Current Trends in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Globally (EU, Germany, U.S., China, South Korea, etc.)
- Challenges and Future Outlook for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
- Q&A Session

Target Audience

This seminar is designed for professionals from manufacturing companies, particularly those in energy utilization, research and development, new market development, and strategic management sectors. It will also benefit companies, trading firms, and research organizations seeking to understand market trends, as well as younger and mid-level engineers and executives looking to grasp the comprehensive landscape of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

For more details on the seminar, please visit IR Japan's Seminar Page.

The IR Engineering Education Institute continues to provide practical knowledge and expertise for industrial professionals through seminars, e-learning, training, and publishing.

About IR Japan Co., Ltd.: With over 50 years of experience in patent and intellectual property solutions, we offer specialized practical services revolving around technical information research, analysis, education for manufacturing professionals, and the production of technical content.