Fuji Electric and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical begin discussions on joint demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell system

Fuji Electric and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical begin discussions on joint demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell system

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Chairman and CEO: Michihiro Kitazawa; hereinafter “Fuji Electric”) and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshinori Isasawa; hereinafter “Mitsubishi Gas Chemical”) have begun discussions toward a joint demonstration of a power generation system that integrates fuel cells and a hydrogen generator that uses methanol as a feedstock. This initiative aims to bring together the strengths of both companies and provide hydrogen fuel cells to a wide range of regions and facilities.

　Toward the realization of GX (Green Transformation), hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, are expected to be a clean power generation method that does not emit CO2 _. However, challenges remain, including the establishment of technologies and cost constraints related to the storage and transportation of hydrogen, which is the fuel. In this context, methanol, one of the hydrogen carriers (Note) , is a liquid at room temperature and pressure, making it easy to store and transport, and it is possible to utilize existing infrastructure. Therefore, the method of using methanol to generate hydrogen at the consumption site is expected to be a promising option.

　(Note) Technology and methods for converting hydrogen into a different state or material for storage and transportation

 　Fuji Electric commercialized industrial fuel cells in 1998. To date, the company has delivered over 100 units to government buildings, hospitals, universities, and other facilities both in Japan and overseas, and has a track record of operating fuel cell systems for over 20 years. Utilizing the fuel cell manufacturing and power electronics technologies it has cultivated, the company is developing a low-cost, highly responsive hydrogen fuel cell system that uses the hydrogen fuel cell module installed in Toyota Motor Corporation’s fuel cell vehicle, the MIRAI.

 　Mitsubishi Gas Chemical is one of the world’s leading comprehensive methanol manufacturers, handling everything from methanol production to sales and application development. In recent years, the company has been working toward the social implementation of its Carbopath ^™ environmental recycling platform, which is centered on green methanol produced from CO2 and biomass _. ^*1 The company has cultivated its own methanol reforming hydrogen production technology for 40 years, and is considering conducting a domestic demonstration of a unit-type hydrogen generator under a strategic partnership ^*2 with Methanol Reformer and Element ^1® to accelerate the utilization of hydrogen through methanol reforming.

　Now, by combining the technologies and expertise of both companies, the two companies will begin examining a demonstration project (scheduled to begin in fiscal 2026) aimed at commercializing a “methanol reforming hydrogen fuel cell system,” which will efficiently and cost-effectively generate hydrogen from methanol and generate electricity. By using green methanol produced by “Carbopath ^{™ ,” this system will offset the} _CO2 generated along with the hydrogen during the methanol reforming process . This will allow the two companies to promote market development and creation for effective applications of this clean energy, such as backup power sources during power outages at data centers and factories, and power generation systems for peak shaving. Through these efforts, the two companies aim to realize clean energy supply in a wide range of regions and facilities.

Overview of Fuji ElectricFuji
　Electric’s management policy is to contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, and sustainable society through its energy and environmental business.Fuji Electric’s Environmental Vision 2050, which is based on the goal of achieving zero environmental impact through decarbonization and a transition to a circular economy, aims to realize a “decarbonized society,” “circular economy,” and “society in harmony with nature” through the widespread adoption of innovative clean energy technologies and energy-saving products, and in the hydrogen and ammonia fields, the company is promoting the development of fuel cells, as well as power supplies for water electrolysis and measuring instruments.

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Fuji Electric and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical begin discussions on joint demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell system, source