Suntory Launches Green Hydrogen Project at Hakushu Facilities in Japan

Project Overview

Yamanashi Prefecture and ten companies have initiated a demonstration experiment funded by NEDO's Green Innovation Fund. The project focuses on developing energy demand conversion technology at a large-scale Power to Gas (P2G) system to achieve carbon neutrality at Suntory's Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant and Hakushu Distillery.

Green Hydrogen Production

The green hydrogen production facilities, with a capacity of 16 MW, are among the largest in Japan. If operated continuously, they can produce 2,200 tons of hydrogen annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons per year. The project includes the development of highly-efficient low-NOx hydrogen boilers to convert part of the heat energy used at the water plant from fossil fuels to hydrogen.

Timeline and Goals

The demonstration will run until the end of 2026, showcasing how the system procures power from renewable energies to produce green hydrogen for steam production. The project aims to expand the system to various regions and increase hydrogen utilization in the area.

Future Prospects

The location of the demonstration project has been named the “Green Hydrogen Park – Hakushu –” with the goal of becoming a hub for green hydrogen. Yamanashi Prefecture and the participating companies will continue to collaborate on achieving a carbon-neutral society and advancing green hydrogen production technology using PEM water electrolysis systems.