#Japan #Hiroshima #Blossom Energy #G-TES

Blossom Energy Secures Development Funding in Hiroshima

Blossom Energy, a technology-driven startup based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently been granted funding by Hiroshima Prefecture for the fiscal year 2024 under its new value-creation research and development subsidy program. This funding will significantly bolster the company's efforts in demonstrating and promoting the implementation of their innovative thermal storage boiler, the Blossom Energy G-TES, within Hiroshima Prefecture.

Overview of the Research and Development Subsidy Program

The subsidy program initiated by Hiroshima Prefecture aims to address the challenges posed by rising costs and the tough economic environment, while encouraging local businesses to invest in research and development for sustainable growth. It supports manufacturers with practical application developments that respond to specific market needs. The subsidy rate allows for up to 50% for general projects and 66% for those focusing on digitization or carbon neutrality, with a maximum limit of 50 million yen. The goal is to commercialize the projects within approximately five years, creating significant economic and employment impacts in the region.

Key Details of the Subsidy

• - Title: Fiscal Year 2024 New Value-Creation Research and Development Subsidy
• - Administered by: Hiroshima Prefecture, Department of Economy, Trade and Industry
• - Subsidy Rates: 2/3 maximum for priority green technology initiatives
• - Maximum Subsidy Amount: Up to 50 million yen
• - Project Duration: May 2025 - February 2026
• - Official link: Hiroshima Subsidy Information

Proposed Project Details

Project Title

"Development of a Non-Fossil Fuel-Based Water and Gas Heating System using Graphite Thermal Storage Material"

The Challenges Addressed

About 70% of global energy consumption relies on fossil fuels, with manufacturing industries consuming large amounts for heat generation. The greenhouse gases emitted from this thermal energy consumption account for approximately 10-15% of total emissions. This decarbonization of thermal energy is critical, especially in countries like Japan and those in ASEAN where manufacturing plays a significant economic role.

Technical Innovations

The approved project focuses on the real-world application of the Blossom Energy G-TES, which utilizes renewable energy to store power in the form of graphite thermal storage material. This allows for the stable delivery of heat as needed. Specific developmental goals include advanced technologies to maintain a consistent gas temperature within the heat exchanger irrespective of the fluctuations in thermal storage material temperature. This innovation enables the reliable usage of high-temperature thermal energy that has not been available in the market before. Furthermore, it allows diverse forms of heat energy—hot water, warm air, and steam—to be supplied consistently from inexpensive power sources by leveraging the high thermal storage capabilities of graphite.

Future Perspectives

Blossom Energy plans to commence operational testing of the demonstration unit in Hiroshima in the fiscal year 2025. The initial applications are focused on facilities requiring hot water, such as spas at golf courses, while aiming to extend research into the automotive industry—specifically the painting and drying processes integral to vehicle production. This segment is responsible for about 10% of CO2 emissions from industrial manufacturing, escalating to roughly 30% for the automotive sector, indicating substantial potential for emissions reduction through this technology.

By 2026, the company aims to develop various products utilizing this technology, including cooling systems for data centers and warehouses, as well as heating systems for residential needs and steam boilers. The ultimate goal is to solidify a new model of energy use centered around the storage of thermal energy in society.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Blossom Energy, Inc.
• - Established: January 2022
• - Headquarters: 2-3-12 Kanda-sudacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0041
• - Hiroshima Branch: Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• - CEO: Shinpei Hamamoto
• - Website: Blossom Energy
• - Business Focus: Research, development, manufacturing, and sales of next-generation energy technologies with an emphasis on decarbonizing thermal energy.

Contact Information for Inquiries

For further information regarding this topic, please contact the Public Relations department of Blossom Energy: Blossom Energy Contact Form