Pioneering Green Hydrogen System Launched to Push Decarbonization
Yamanashi’s green hydrogen system is being tested at a factory in Saitama, marking Japan’s first factory installation to support energy transition efforts.
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On August 6, a trial operation began for the green hydrogen production system led by Yamanashi Prefecture. Unit 1 of the Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas (P2G) System was started on a trial basis at a concrete component factory in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. This marks the first installation of green hydrogen production equipment at an existing factory in Japan.
The system is designed to support the switch from fossil fuels like city gas and heavy oil to green hydrogen. As it emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), green hydrogen is linked to decarbonization efforts. Yamanashi Prefecture is leading the way in promoting P2G technology. Plans are in place to introduce one of the world's largest P2G systems.
Utilizing as Boiler Fuel
The system was introduced at a Taisei U-Lec factory in Kawagoe. A subsidiary of major general contractor Taisei Corporation, Taisei U-Lec manufactures construction concrete components. The PEM type P2G system was jointly developed by Yamanashi Prefecture, Toray, TEPCO Energy Partner, and others. A small 500-kilowatt type is now operating.
The P2G system electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen using electricity generated from 1 MW solar power equipment installed on the factory's roof. This hydrogen is used as boiler fuel to generate steam. That heat is then utilized in the curing process to accelerate concrete hardening.
Previously, city gas was used as the sole fuel for the boilers. Now, about 10% of the fuel will be switched to hydrogen.
Scaling Up
Yamanashi Prefecture is packaging the 500-kW system as a standard product. By mass producing the system, the prefecture aims to lower the price and promote its widespread use. Sumitomo Rubber Industries' Shirakawa Plant in Fukushima Prefecture has already decided to adopt the same system.
Development of larger systems is also underway. An agreement has been reached with Suntory Holdings to launch operation of a large-scale 16-MW system in 2025. The system will be installed at a spring water plant and adjacent whiskey distillery in Yamanashi Prefecture.
When complete, this facility will be the largest in Japan and among the top globally, with an annual hydrogen production capacity of 2,200 tons. Initially, it will be used as a heat source for steam sterilization of groundwater. Futuristically, the company plans to utilize hydrogen in whiskey distillation.
Automaker Suzuki is also considering adopting a P2G system as a heat source at a manufacturing subsidiary in India.
At a press briefing on August 6, a representative of Yamanashi Prefecture explained. "We will promote the transition from fossil fuels to green hydrogen to achieve the government's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050," indicating plans to expand the introduction of P2G.
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