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The Latest Trends in Fuel Cells, Hydrogen, and Ammonia

On March 25, 2026, Wako University will host a seminar featuring Professor Koichi Iwama, a leading figure in resource economics and the head of the Resource Economics Committee of the Petroleum Technology Association. The focus is on recent developments in fuel cells, hydrogen, and ammonia, and their implications for future business prospects in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Seminar Highlights

The seminar will delve into significant global trends shaping the future of hydrogen and ammonia as crucial elements of decarbonization. The former U.S. administration’s reluctance to prioritize the development of non-carbon energy sources has diminished global attention and investment, but the pursuit of a carbon-neutral future by 2050 remains steadfast. The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo will showcase hydrogen fuel cell ships, signaling Japan's commitment to promoting a hydrogen society.

Evolving Energy Landscape

As countries worldwide face energy challenges exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine crisis, innovations in hydrogen and ammonia are more critical than ever. Japan's strategic response includes plans to officially start accepting applications in November 2024 to subsidize the price difference between ammonia, hydrogen, and existing fossil fuels, facilitating their broader adoption.

With companies like Iwatani Corporation completing hydrogen fuel cell ships and Kawasaki Heavy Industries succeeding in combustion tests for hydrogen jet engines, the significance of ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier is increasingly recognized. JERA has also excelled in mixed combustion tests, effectively integrating ammonia into coal-fired power production. In this backdrop, a significant investment initiative involving 450 companies will launch by the end of 2024 aimed at fostering the hydrogen industry.

Japan's Hydrogen Strategy

In June 2023, Japan revised its hydrogen strategy, which was initially established in 2017. The new directive aims to increase hydrogen supply sixfold by 2040, supporting investment in electrolysis technology and reducing production costs. The government anticipates needing 15 trillion yen over the next 15 years to meet these goals and plans to help bridge the cost gap between hydrogen and traditional energy sources.

Given Japan's previous leadership in the hydrogen sector, recent robust hydrogen strategies emerging from Europe and the U.S. signal heightened competition. The EU aims to secure 20 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, Germany is setting fixed-price buyback policies for hydrogen, and both China and the U.S. are rapidly developing their hydrogen sectors further.

Hydrogen and Ammonia Future Prospects

In a bid to solidify its position, Japan needs to invest heavily—reaching 150 trillion yen over the next decade to achieve its emissions reduction targets by 2040. With an objective to lower the supply cost of hydrogen to 30 yen per cubic meter and ammonia to under 20 yen, government support remains crucial for expanding adoption.

The seminar will also highlight the promising role of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) amid declines in electric vehicle sales. Japan plans to significantly increase FCV production, targeting 800,000 units by 2030, addressing the rising global demand for greener transportation solutions.

Notably, the world is expected to witness substantial growth in hydrogen infrastructure, with projections for 3,100 hydrogen stations globally. The paradigm is shifting towards celebrating hydrogen and ammonia as pivotal to energy independence and sustainable ecosystems.

Conclusion

As the seminar unpacks these critical themes, attendees will gain insights into strategic business approaches that Japanese firms can adopt to thrive in a competitive landscape characterized by rapid international developments in hydrogen and ammonia technologies.

Through engaging discussions and expert analyses, the seminar promises to illuminate pathways toward a vibrant hydrogen economy and offer invaluable networking opportunities.

For more details and to register, visit SSK Seminar's Official Site.