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Hitachi Selected for Tokyo's Hydrogen Station Collaborative Study Project

Hitachi, Ltd. has announced its approval in a public project by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs titled "Collaborative Study for the Promotion of Local Hydrogen Station Implementation." This initiative aims to construct and optimize an integrated Energy Management System (EMS) for onsite hydrogen stations.

This project is a significant step towards the social implementation of hydrogen stations in urban areas. It focuses on a feasibility study to investigate and analyze the viability of such installations, aiming to reduce hydrogen production costs and enhance business feasibility, ultimately supporting the development of a generic business model.

By leveraging the expertise of the Hitachi Group, particularly in the energy sector, the company aims to accelerate the utilization of hydrogen, tackling energy challenges and contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society.

Background

Hydrogen is gaining traction as an essential energy source for achieving a decarbonized society, with various initiatives in Tokyo, including the TOKYO H2 Project. In the mobility sector, which is expected to lead hydrogen utilization, the establishment of hydrogen stations is critical, especially for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). However, currently, there is a shortage of such stations, with only about 150 across the country, prompting the government to aim for an increase to 1,000 stations by 2030.

Traditionally, hydrogen stations have relied on transporting hydrogen produced in remote locations, leading to heightened CO₂ emissions and increased costs. Furthermore, urban areas face significant constraints regarding the installation of renewable energy facilities, necessitating the establishment of a stable and economical structure for producing and supplying green hydrogen.

Hitachi is conducting demonstrations at its Omika Works, utilizing solar power to produce hydrogen. The company aims to assess the economic feasibility of hydrogen production based on demand, determining how to optimally balance the sources and amounts of energy to manufacture the necessary hydrogen. This includes developing an EMS capable of sensing vital information required for executing operational plans.

Focused Approach to Challenges

In this project, Hitachi will concentrate on the onsite production model for hydrogen stations, engaging in the following initiatives:

• - Utilization of Energy Management (EMS): Integrating and controlling multiple power sources, including grid power, solar energy (PV), fuel cells, and storage batteries.
• - Optimization of Hydrogen Production Costs: Evaluating operational realities and energy pricing while establishing multiple scenarios for simulation to enhance feasibility.
• - Developing Viable Business Models: Conducting a business feasibility assessment while considering CAPEX, OPEX, various regulations, and subsidies.
• - Quantitative Evaluation and Improvement of "Green Degree": Assessing and reducing the carbon intensity associated with hydrogen production, thereby enhancing its environmental sustainability.

These initiatives aim to create a feasible hydrogen station model that considers urban-specific constraints such as land acquisition and safety distance requirements.

Future Outlook

Through this project, Hitachi intends to provide quantitative results aimed at reducing hydrogen production costs while establishing a local hydrogen station model suitable for urban environments. The initiative also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions associated with hydrogen transportation and clarifies a path toward commercialization, paving the way for future demonstrations and societal implementation.

Hitachi is committed to accelerating efforts toward hydrogen society implementation by maximizing the advantages of its established control and digital technologies.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi is dedicated to contributing to the realization of a harmonized society where environment, happiness, and economic growth coexist, utilizing its capabilities in IT, operational technology (OT), and products through its Social Innovation Business (SIB). With a focus on digital systems & services, energy, mobility, and connected industries, as well as a strategic SIB business unit, Hitachi is globally engaged in creating value from data to resolve challenges faced by customers and society alike. The projected revenue for the fiscal year 2024 (ending March 2025) is approximately ¥9.78 trillion, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and around 280,000 employees worldwide.