#Japan #Tokyo #Infrastructure #Hydrogen #Biomass #Ministry of Land #transport

New Initiative for Decarbonizing Regional Logistics

On April 27, 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the opening of applications for the "Regional Logistics Decarbonization Promotion Project" which aims to support advanced initiatives utilizing next-generation energy sources, specifically hydrogen and biomass, in the field of logistics.

This initiative will provide financial assistance for projects that involve innovative utilization methods pertaining to hydrogen and biomass. These methods encompass the creation, storage, and usage of these energy types, all while promoting an integrated approach. Through this program, authorities will subsidize part of the costs incurred in these projects.

Overview of the Program

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for this subsidy include warehouse operators, freight transportation companies, and truck terminal operators. Collaborations with non-logistics businesses, including hydrogen supply and biofuel supply firms, are also allowed for joint applications.

Support for Initiatives and Eligible Expenses

The project focuses on comprehensive efforts to utilize hydrogen and biomass as next-generation energy sources within logistics facilities. Proposed initiatives must fall into the following categories:

Hydrogen Utilization Initiatives

• - Creation Initiatives:

- Installation of hydrogen production facilities
- Utilization of existing hydrogen production equipment
- Use of purchased hydrogen

• - Storage Initiatives:

- Installation of hydrogen storage and filling equipment
- Utilization of existing hydrogen storage and filling facilities

• - Usage Initiatives:

- Introduction of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) for logistics operations
- Adoption of fuel cell forklifts.

Biomass Utilization Initiatives

• - Creation Initiatives:

- Installation of biofuel production facilities
- Utilization of existing biofuel production equipment
- Use of purchased biofuel

• - Storage Initiatives:

- Installation of biofuel storage and refueling facilities
- Utilization of existing biofuel storage and refueling arrangements

• - Usage Initiatives:

- Incorporation of biodiesel fuel vehicles in logistics processes
- Inclusion of biodiesel fuel forklifts.

Financial Support Details

The program will subsidize up to half of the expenses, with maximum grants set at:

• - Hydrogen Utilization Initiatives: Up to 250 million yen
• - Biomass Utilization Initiatives: Up to 200 million yen

Corresponding expenses for equipment required for the above advanced initiatives may also qualify for financial support. For full details, applicants are encouraged to consult the official offering guidelines on the designated project website.

Application Details and Schedule

Applications for the program will be accepted from April 27 to June 5, 2023, by 4 PM. It is important for applicants to ensure that their submissions arrive by this deadline. Decisions on granted subsidies for eligible businesses are expected to be announced in late June. The business period will run from the date of the grant allocation until February 10, 2024.

For further information regarding the program or submission inquiries, interested parties can find detailed instructions and application forms on the Regional Logistics Decarbonization Promotion Project's dedicated website. Online sessions will be held to explain the application process, and additional details will be available on the website.

Contact Information

For general inquiries regarding the program:

• - Logistics Policies Division, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

- Contact: Uchida, Sasaki, Nakamura (Direct Line: 03-5253-8111, 03-5253-8799)

For specific questions about this application:

• - Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd

- Phone: 050-5536-6831
- Email: [email protected]
- Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00 to 17:00

This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable logistics operations, securing a cleaner environment through innovative energy solutions.