Fukushima and Toyota Collaborate for a Sociable Hydrogen-Powered Society
Toyota and Fukushima Prefecture Collaborate to Build a Smiling Hydrogen Society
In a bid to integrate hydrogen into society, Toyota and Fukushima prefecture have been collaborating since 2021. Their joint efforts, aimed at spreading hydrogen utilization and promoting a "smiling hydrogen society," have gained attention not only in Japan but also internationally.
The heart of these collaborative projects lies in the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R), the world's largest hydrogen production facility. Opened in 2020, this facility uses large-scale solar power and grid electricity for water electrolysis to generate hydrogen. Toyota supports this project indirectly through partnerships, such as with Asahi Kasei, which supplies advanced water electrolyzers at FH2R.
Beyond large-scale production, Toyota is also working closely with Fukushima to expand the hydrogen society concept. This includes supporting innovations like hydrogen engines, such as the hydrogen engine Corolla competing in motorsports, and promoting public acceptance of hydrogen through active community involvement.
Toyota's role in Fukushima extends to partnerships promoting hydrogen mobility and infrastructure. Projects with partners like the Toyota Mobility Foundation focus on hydrogen-powered transport solutions such as buses and fuel cell vehicles, which are part of efforts to establish practical hydrogen use cases in daily life.
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, envisions a future built upon smiles and gratitude. This vision is reflected in the collaboration between Toyota and Fukushima, which aims to provide safer and more secure energy for everyday life in Fukushima. The collaboration has also motivated the community to seek safer energy solutions, as a response to the nuclear disaster that occurred in 2011.
The pair expressed their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for the benefit of future generations. Governor Masao Uchibori recently met with Akio Toyoda to discuss the progress of their collaboration towards a hydrogen society. The efforts to integrate hydrogen into society in Fukushima are ongoing and spreading, with similar initiatives being implemented in Tokyo, where hydrogen trucks are used for carbon-free logistics.
An FC school bus powered by hydrogen is being used for child commuting in Fukushima, demonstrating the practicality of hydrogen-powered vehicles in daily life. The interior of the bus includes features designed for comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for the students.
The collaboration between Toyota and Fukushima is being reported on by World Toyota News and Toyota Times News, among others. The aim of this reporting is to show how purposeful passion and action are helping a hydrogen society take shape. Toyota remains committed to fulfilling the wish of the Fukushima community for better carmaking and advancing towards a hydrogen society in partnership with local governments.
In the pursuit of creating a hydrogen society, Toyota and Fukushima Prefecture are collaborating, not only developing hydrogen engines and vehicles but also partnering with technology companies for advanced water electrolyzers. The ongoing efforts in Fukushima, backed by finance from various partnerships, are potentially paving the way for the integration of technology in the energy industry, further enhancing the country's power infrastructure.
