Hydrogen plant for Fukushima?

September 30, 2016

Fukushima Prefecture study could lead to world’s largest hydrogen plant

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/09/30/national/fukushima-prefecture-study-lead-worlds-largest-hydrogen-plant/#.V-4kpcldeos

JIJI

From stigma to startup, Fukushima Prefecture stands a chance of becoming known for something other than its festering nuclear debacle. Three power companies have announced a study into a joint hydrogen manufacturing facility in the area.

Toshiba Corp., Tohoku Electric Power Co. and Iwatani Corp. said Thursday the facility could have a capacity equivalent to 10,000 kilowatts, the world’s largest.

The government has already said it will build a major renewable energy base in the prefecture, producing hydrogen by solar, wind and other green energy sources. It hopes the gas will be used to power hydrogen fuel cell vehicles during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The three companies will conduct the feasibility research under a deal awarded by the state-affiliated New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

Hydrogen will be produced through water electrolysis using surplus electricity. It will be stored until extra electricity is needed, when it will help to bridge fluctuations in supply from other renewable sources.

The system is expected to produce 900 tons of hydrogen annually, enough to power 10,000 fuel cell vehicles. The three firms aim to bring the system on line in fiscal 2020.