The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to start a new weekly service by publishing brief summary of the latest information from the Japanese governmental organizations & private companies/organizations. A couple of minutes reading to be informed about what is happening in Japan's policy, economy, EU-Japan relations, and innovation.
*Information is deemed correct at the time of release.
Idemitsu concludes MOU with HIF to build “Synthetic Fuel” supply network for renewable hydrogen and CO2
On April 5, Idemitsu Kosan announced it formed a partnership with HIF Global (HIF), which manufactures carbon-neutral synthetic fuel (e-fuel) in South America, North America, Australia, etc. and both have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
In the strategic partnership between the two companies will jointly consider three items, (1) Idemitsu will purchase synthetic fuels from HIF's overseas projects and supply them in Japan, (2) jointly invest in synthetic fuel manufacturing facilities in Japan and overseas, and (3) international transportation of CO2 captured in Japan to use them as raw materials for synthetic fuels.
In addition, Idemitsu will obtain a sample of synthetic gasoline manufactured by HIF, confirm its environmental impact and performance, and proceed with studies for practical application and spread in Japan. The Idemitsu Group's refineries and business sites will study synthetic fuel production, aiming to establish a domestic synthetic fuel production and supply system by the latter half of the 2020s.
Synthetic fuels (e-fuels) can utilize existing infrastructure such as storage tanks and pipelines for distribution. Since it can be used without modifying the engines of automobiles, ships, and aircraft, it is expected to be an early decarbonization measure.
Idemitsu website:
https://www.idemitsu.com/en/news/2023/230405.html
Sumitomo Corporation and others start construction of 500MW offshore wind farm in France
On April 6, Sumitomo Corporation announced that it had completed arranging project finance of approximately € 2.2 billion (approximately JP\ 300 billion) for the Noirmoutier offshore wind power generation project in France, which is being jointly developed with Ocean Winds (Spain) and three other companies. Aiming for completion in the latter half of 2025, construction of the bottom-mounted offshore wind farm will begin in the same month.
Eoliennes en Mer Iles d'Yeu et de Noirmoutier (Noirmoutier), a company invested by Sumitomo Corporation, will construct, owned and operated an offshore wind farm with a total power generation capacity of approximately 500 MW in an area approximately 12 km off the coast of the Bay of Biscay in France. The total project cost is about JP\ 350 billion. The project period after completion is scheduled for 25 years. The estimated annual power generation is equivalent to the power consumption of about 800,000 people, and the power will be sold under a long-term contract with the French state-owned power company.
In addition to this project, Sumitomo Corporation, together with Ocean Winds and Caisse des Dépôts et des Consignations, is planning to start construction on the Le Treport offshore wind farm around May 2023 in an area approximately 15km off the coast of the English Channel. Combined with this project, the total power generation capacity will be about 1 GW, which is expected to be equivalent to the power consumption of about 1.6 million people per year, and the equity power generation capacity is expected to be about 300 MW.
Sumitomo website:
https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/jp/news/release/2023/group/16580
NEDO Releases "Ocean Wind Condition Observation Guidebook"
On April 6, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. (NEDO) announced that it has released the compiled "Ocean Wind Condition Observation Guidebook" that is establishing an offshore wind condition survey method. It is information necessary for business planning and wind turbine design of offshore wind farms, which had not been organized in Japan until now.
Currently, the most accurate method for observing wind conditions on the ocean is said to be observation using an offshore wind condition observation mast. However, installing a wind condition observation mast on the sea generally requires a long time for coordination with the local area and approval procedures, as well as a large construction cost. It is desired both in Japan and abroad to establish a method to observe from land.
On the other hand, with the current remote sensing technology, methods for observing turbulence components of wind speed and vertical distribution of wind speed offshore have not yet been established. In addition, even in deep water areas where floating offshore wind power generation is assumed, there is a need to establish an observation method using a floating wind condition observation system that mounts equipment on a buoy floating on the ocean.
In order to solve these problems, NEDO is conducting measurements using a wind condition observation mast and a vertical lidar, which is a remote sensing device that irradiates a laser in the sky. By combining the two, they have established a low-cost observation method for offshore wind conditions by accurately measuring wind speed, wind direction, and wind turbulence. This guidebook is intended for practical use by wind condition observers.
NEDO website (in Japanese):
https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101630.html
Developing a turquoise hydrogen production base in central Japan by collaborating with Australia's Hazer
Chubu Electric Power and Chiyoda Corporation announced on April 11 that
they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Hazer Group regarding the formulation of a development plan to produce convert hydrogen and graphite, a type of carbon, from methane, using Hazer's proprietary technology.
Hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition of methane is called "turquoise hydrogen". In addition, in this manufacturing process, a highly useful carbon material is produced as a by-product. The three companies will jointly consider a development plan for a base in Chubu that will produce carbon-free hydrogen (turquoise hydrogen) and carbon graphite (by-product solid carbon) by pyrolysis using the process developed by Hazer. They will formulate a development plan by 2024 and aim to start demonstration tests in the latter half of the 2020s.
The hydrogen production capacity of the turquoise hydrogen production facility under consideration is expected to range from 2,500 tons per year to a maximum of 10,000 tons per year. Ultimately, they aim to have a hydrogen production capacity of 50,000 to 100,000 tons per year. Chubu Electric Power will consider using the produced hydrogen in power plants, industry, and the mobility field.
Chiyoda corporation website:
https://www.chiyodacorp.com/media/230411_e_1.pdf
Japan Radio develops "6-axis vibration correction device with bridge" for offshore wind power generation facilities, to be launched in 2024
Japan Radio announced on April 11 that it had developed Japan's first 6-axis vibration correction device "offshore facility access gangway" for moving from a ship to an offshore wind power generation facility. Market launch is planned for 2024.
The device is a system for safely and efficiently transferring personnel from offshore wind turbine access vessels to offshore facilities such as fixed structures and floating structures. Utilizing technology to control swaying, which has been cultivated in driving simulators, it is possible to greatly reduce the swaying of bridges used for transferring to offshore facilities even if the hull shakes greatly. In addition, by adopting an electric actuator, it is possible to reduce the size and weight, making it easier to install on small vessels, including new and existing vessels.
By installing this product, it is expected that access to offshore wind power generation facilities will be easier, maintenance and repair of facilities will be quicker, and the operation rate of facilities will be improved. Regarding the basic design of this product, it has obtained basic design approval from the French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV), which has bases around the world and conducts inspections and tests in various industrial fields, as well as certifying standards set by public institutions.
Japan Radio website (in Japanese):
https://www.jrc.co.jp/news/2023/0411-1
JR West develops fuel cell trains, establishing bases for hydrogen supply and transportation at stations
On April 12, West Japan Railway Company (JR WEST) announced that
it will set up a comprehensive hydrogen station that utilizes railway assets such as stations as a base for hydrogen supply and transportation, and considers the realization of hydrogen utilization through cooperation with local communities. At the same time, it announced that it will work on the development of fuel cell trains with the aim of replacing trains powered by diesel engines in the future.
In April 2021, the JR West Group established a long-term environmental target, "Zero Carbon 2050," aiming to achieve "substantially zero" CO2 emissions for the entire group in 2050. As one of its efforts, the company aims to achieve "substantially zero" CO2 emissions from diesel railcars by replacing the diesel fuel with next-generation biodiesel fuel, and has started demonstration tests in 2022. Furthermore, the company plans to consider switching to next-generation vehicles that are carbon-free in the future.
In addition, East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) and ENEOS are aiming for social implementation by 2030, and are developing hydrogen hybrid trains powered by hydrogen-fueled fuel cells and storage batteries, as well as hydrogen stations for these trains. JR East has developed a hydrogen hybrid train "HYBARI" and will start demonstration tests on commercial lines from 2022.
WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY (in Japanese):
https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/230412_00_press_h2o.pdf
Published: September 2025
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