Tanaka has decided to install an H2Rex pure hydrogen fuel cell system manufactured by Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation to optimally control generating efficiency. Operation is scheduled to commence in 2026.
The company is currently carrying out Operation Polaris with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve at least a 50 percent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2013 levels), proactive steps are being taken, including enhancing energy efficiency, optimising manufacturing processes, implementing green energy solutions, and pursuing additional measures aimed at emission reduction. The recent decision to use hydrogen energy is a part of these efforts.
The pure hydrogen fuel cell system to be introduced generates electricity by making use of a chemical reaction that combines hydrogen and oxygen, the reverse of the electrolysis of water. Since the system directly uses hydrogen to generate electricity, unlike household fuel cell systems that extract hydrogen from city gas and other sources, it is able to generate electricity with high efficiency and zero CO2 emissions.
Additionally, in the event of a disaster, the system can be used to supply backup electric power without interruption. Such systems also give consideration to the local environment, due to their low noise and vibration.
With the introduction of this system, 25 percent of the electricity used at the Shonan Plant will be switched to power generated by the fuel cell system, with an expected reduction in CO2 emissions of 1,979 tons annually (this and subsequent figures are estimates by Tanaka). This is equivalent to 32 percent of the plant’s CO2 emissions reduction target for 2030.
Tanaka will continue to expand its use of hydrogen energy even after the introduction of the system. In conjunction with this, hydrogen demand will increase, and Tanaka has high hopes for Kawasaki City, an advanced hydrogen city in Kanagawa Prefecture, and seeks to build a hydrogen supply base in the waterfront area. Tanaka joined the Kawasaki Carbon Neutral Industrial Complex Formation Promotion Council and the Kawasaki Carbon Neutral Port Formation Promotion Council, two public-private collaborative bodies made up of companies and other organizations in agreement with the city’s vision and strategies that were established to investigate and promote measures for achieving carbon neutrality. By joining the councils, Tanaka hopes to deepen collaboration with the city and other member companies.
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