CO2-free Hydrogen Energy Supply-Chain Technology Research Association Commences Operations ―Multi-company effort takes a step toward the future of hydrogen energy

Tokyo, April 1, 2016 - Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (President: Shigeru Murayama; hereinafter, “Kawasaki”), Iwatani Corporation (President: Masao Nomura; hereinafter, “Iwatani”), Shell Japan Limited (President: Chris Gunner; hereinafter, “Shell Japan”) and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (President: Masayoshi Kitamura; hereinafter, “J-Power”), on February 22, 2016, established a CO₂-free Hydrogen Energy Supply-Chain Technology Research Association (HySTRA). Today the companies transferred their demonstration project to HySTRA, which will now commence full-scale operations.

Purpose of HySTRA

The four companies established HySTRA as an organization to implement a demonstration project for the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). HySTRA’s main objective is to establish and demonstrate technologies necessary for the chain from the production of hydrogen from source materials to transportation, storage and use. The long-term goal is to build and commercialize a CO₂-free hydrogen energy supply chain to help save the environment.

Demonstration project

In order to integrate hydrogen energy into society, CO₂-free hydrogen must be supplied inexpensively and reliably. In June 2014, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, which called for the establishment of a carbon-neutral hydrogen supply chain.

To realize such a hydrogen supply chain, Kawasaki led a collaboration with Iwatani and J-Power to make a proposal for a demonstration project. In June 2015, the proposal was accepted by NEDO as a Demonstration Project for Establishment of Supply Chain for Mass Marine Transportation of Hydrogen and Gasification of Brown Coal. Now that the three companies, along with Shell Japan, have established HySTRA, the demonstration project which the three companies have so far pursued has as of today been transferred to HySTRA.

The intention of HySTRA is to achieve a commercial liquefied hydrogen supply chain from overseas in the future. To achieve this, the project is comprised of two parts. One covers technology for gasification of brown coal, and the other covers technology for long-range mass transportation and cargo handling of liquefied hydrogen. HySTRA aims to conduct technical demonstration and identify issues facing commercialization of each part by fiscal 2020.

Role of each company

J-Power, which is currently developing an integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) system, will use the gasification technology they have accumulated to demonstrate technology for gasification of brown coal.

Kawasaki, Iwatani and Shell Japan will work together to demonstrate technology for long-range mass transportation and cargo handling of liquefied hydrogen. Kawasaki is a supplier of cryogenic equipment and has built LNG storage tanks and receiving terminals as well as equipment for the rocket launch complex on Tanegashima. Iwatani is Japan’s only producer and supplier of liquefied hydrogen. Shell Japan is a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, which has experience with LNG supply chains and carrier operation.

Henceforth, the four companies intend to bring together their strengths in HySTRA to advance research, development and demonstration efficiently.

Overview of HySTRA

CO₂-free hydrogen supply chain concept and HySTRA technical demonstration items