Tanaka Precious Metals Launches 500 kW Pure Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Generation Facility

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd. has launched a 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facility, "TANAKA H2 Nexus," in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, to enhance its hydrogen technology capabilities and promote decarbonization in the manufacturing sector.

The facility began operation on July 8 at the "Tanaka Shonan Fuel Cell Power Station." TANAKA stated that this is one of Japan's largest 500 kW-class pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facilities, serving both as a technology demonstration site and a platform for gaining practical operational experience in hydrogen energy.

TANAKA noted that this project marks an extension of the company's role—from being solely a supplier of hydrogen-related materials to becoming an actual user of hydrogen energy. Knowledge gained from operations is expected to inform future technology development and business planning.

Since the 1980s, the company has continuously invested in the research and development of fuel cells and hydrogen-related technologies, building a product portfolio that includes precious metal catalysts for fuel cells, water electrolysis catalysts, gas reforming catalysts, precious metal plating electrodes, and hydrogen permeable membranes.

Amid global decarbonization trends, hydrogen energy is regarded as a key means to reduce CO2 emissions while ensuring a stable energy supply in sectors such as manufacturing. TANAKA estimates that when operating at full capacity, the facility can meet approximately 34% of the electricity demand of its adjacent Shonan Plant, supporting its emission reduction targets and enhancing energy resilience.

At the launch ceremony, Group CEO Koichiro Tanaka stated that the facility aims not only to develop and provide technologies supporting a hydrogen society but also to demonstrate their value through practical application and share this value with society at large. He added that the company will continue to leverage its precious metal technologies and hydrogen energy business to contribute to a sustainable society and pursue future innovation.

Chief Operating Officer Tomoyuki Tada stated that operating as a hydrogen user allows the company to identify challenges in real-world conditions and share findings with the industry. TANAKA plans to strengthen collaboration with hydrogen industry partners and other stakeholders to help address these challenges and support the broader adoption of hydrogen technology.

Representatives from Hiratsuka City, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Toshiba Corporation (which provided the fuel cell power generation system), FC-Cubic, and organizations involved in construction and hydrogen procurement attended the launch ceremony.

The company stated that it will continue to apply decades of expertise accumulated in hydrogen energy R&D to support society's transition to hydrogen energy and advance decarbonization efforts.