The Global Hydrogen Landscape: Investment Boom, Technological Breakthroughs, and Persistent Challenges
This article is compiled based on information from JH2A Hydrogen Newsletter Vol.2, reflecting events up to September 2025.
Co writer: Hitoshi Nagatsugu, Yu Kashiwagi, Yuichi Saotome, Yosuke Hanakawa, Tomoki Fujinaga, Takahiro Maruyama, and Koichi Wada
[Hydrogen Newsletter Vol. 2] Japan Accelerates Its Hydrogen Society Blueprint: From Policy to Real-World Applications
Japan is methodically executing its ambition to be a global leader in the hydrogen economy, with a flurry of recent activities from the government, corporations, and research institutions. This newsletter summarizes the most significant developments across all fronts of the hydrogen industry.
1. Policy-Driven Momentum
The Japanese government is vigorously promoting supportive hydrogen policies:
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Railway Sector: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has unveiled a roadmap to phase out diesel trains. From 2031, new trains on non-electrified lines will be limited to hybrid, battery, or hydrogen power, aiming to cut oil consumption by 40% by 2040.
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International Cooperation: The 7th Hydrogen Ministerial Meeting, chaired by METI, focused on demand creation and global collaboration. Concurrently, the Japan-South Korea Summit pledged strengthened cooperation on hydrogen and ammonia, opening new horizons for clean energy.
2. Breakthroughs in Supply Chain & Transportation
Safe and efficient hydrogen transport and storage solutions are being aggressively developed:
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MCH Technology: Nishio Rent All has developed a portable hydrogen power station using Methylcyclohexane (MCH) liquid organic hydrogen carrier, reducing hydrogen volume to 1/500th for easy transport and power supply at construction sites and outdoor events.
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Japan-Germany Collaboration: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Toyota, and partners signed an MoU to build a cross-border hydrogen supply chain, integrating demand from both nations.
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Maritime Transport: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) received Approval in Principle (AiP) for a floating ammonia cracking facility, enabling direct hydrogen supply from offshore to land.
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Hydrogen Pipeline: Japan Hydrogen Energy and JFE Engineering signed a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for a hydrogen pipeline in the Kawasaki coastal area.
3. Hydrogen in Action: Diverse Applications
Hydrogen is demonstrating its versatility across numerous sectors:
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Public Transport: Tokyo launched the "TOKYO H2" public-private project, aiming to deploy 10,000 fuel cell commercial vehicles by 2035, starting with around 600 FC taxis based on the Toyota Crown.
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Aviation: Japan Airlines (JAL) began trial operations of Japan's first hydrogen fuel cell aircraft towing tractor at Haneda Airport.
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Power Generation: Kansai Electric and partners launched a demonstration to manage and value the environmental attributes of hydrogen co-firing power generation.
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Retail: Netz Toyota Koriyama introduced Japan's first stationary hydrogen fuel cell power generator at a car dealership, combined with next-gen solar panels to reduce emissions.
4. Related Fields & Collaborations
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Clean Fuels: Sekisui Chemical formed a strategic partnership with Velocys (USA) to develop technology for producing synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) from CO₂.
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Carbon Capture (CCS): GS Yuasa and Hokkaido University developed an innovative high-efficiency CO₂ separation and recovery technology suitable for small and medium-sized facilities.
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Global Partnership: Tsubame BHB and Mizuho Bank partnered to promote green hydrogen and ammonia projects in Africa, aiming for local energy and fertilizer self-sufficiency.
With synchronized efforts from policy and infrastructure to application, Japan is demonstrating a clear roadmap and strong determination to make hydrogen a cornerstone of its carbon-neutral society.
This article is synthesized from information in the JH2A Hydrogen Newsletter Vol.2, reflecting events up to September 2025.
