Innovative Agreement Between Nanto City and BIOTECHWORKS-H2 for Hydrogen Plant Development

Nanto City and BIOTECHWORKS-H2 Sign Agreement for Hydrogen Project

On July 22, 2025, the Tokyo and Silicon Valley based global startup, BIOTECHWORKS-H2, signed a landmark agreement with Nanto City of Toyama Prefecture, led by Mayor Mikio Tanaka. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of Japan's first commercial hydrogen production plant, utilizing waste management technologies to transform difficult-to-recycle organic waste into hydrogen energy.

At the agreement signing ceremony held at Nanto City Hall, Mayor Tanaka and CEO Akihide Nishikawa shook hands, signifying a collaborative effort towards a sustainable and decarbonized society through innovative recycling processes.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, over 40 million tons of general waste are generated in Japan annually, with approximately 60% treated through incineration methods that contribute to CO₂ emissions and other environmental burdens. Notably, non-recyclable organic waste such as foliage and textiles often face disposal challenges, leading to a reliance on incineration or landfilling. To address these pressing issues, there is a strong demand for new technologies and schemes that promote resource circulation through waste.

Details of the Agreement

Under this agreement, Nanto City will provide land for the commercial hydrogen plant free of charge. BIOTECHWORKS-H2 will leverage its innovative technologies for optimizing, gasifying, and hydrogenating waste. Their digital traceability platform, REBORN, will ensure the effective conversion of non-recyclable organic materials into high-purity hydrogen, aiming for comprehensive energy resource utilization in applications such as fuel cells.

Towards a 'Waste Zero - Hydrogen Society'

BIOTECHWORKS-H2 aims to establish a system that chemically recycles hard-to-recycle organic waste into clean hydrogen energy. This initiative connects municipalities and businesses in a bid to resolve both local and global environmental issues. The innovative plant will turn previously incinerated or landfilled organic waste into valuable resources, establishing a regional circular economy model.

Expanding from Local to Global

This project in Nanto City is set to serve as a model for other municipalities and businesses across Japan. There are plans to expand this scheme internationally, demonstrating a circular energy model that transforms waste into hydrogen and then into renewable energy at various global locations.

Significant Environmental Impact

The project promises to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional incineration methods. Once operational, it aims to recycle nearly all non-recyclable organic waste, with a long-term goal of covering about 5-7% of Japan's electricity demand through nationwide implementation.

Mayor Mikio Tanaka stated, “Transforming waste into energy is like a dream come true. I hope this initiative expands nationwide, creating a sustainable balance between environmental protection and regional economic development.”

CEO Akihide Nishikawa expressed, “The vision of a future where waste becomes energy, depicted in films 40 years ago, is still a work in progress. We are committed to making that dream a reality starting from Nanto. This agreement marks the beginning of significant progress towards designing and coordinating with stakeholders.”

The plant will be situated on the site of the former Western Cleaning Center in Nanto City, where it will focus on hydrogen production and energy generation.

About BIOTECHWORKS-H2

BIOTECHWORKS-H2 is dedicated to the 'Waste Zero Project,' which envisions transforming waste into hydrogen and then into renewable energy. The company's mission is to establish a transparent circular economy that does not incinerate any organic waste, thus contributing to a carbon-neutral world.

BIOTECHWORKS-H2 Plant Model