Progress Update: Post-disaster Restoration Strategy for Namie in Fukushima (Continuation)
Toyota's Vision for a Hydrogen-Based Society Takes Shape in Fukushima
Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, expressed optimism about the potential of a hydrogen-based society during a recent visit to Fukushima Prefecture. Toyota has been actively involved in the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R), a proving test facility with the world's largest hydrogen production capacity.
During his visit on March 5, 2021, Toyoda inspected the hydrogen manufacturing process and emphasized the importance of Toyota taking the first step to entice other companies to join in the effort. He believes that to realize a hydrogen-based society, the process of making, transporting, and using hydrogen is required, and mobility companies like Toyota will be useful for the "making" part.
The FH2R, located in Namie, Fukushima, has contributed to the establishment of a sustainable hydrogen production by installing a large-scale 10-MW hydrogen production facility. Hydrogen at FH2R is produced from renewable energy generated by sunlight.
Toyoda looks forward to a future where the hydrogen society demonstration in Namie will spread to other cities, involving all the people, companies, and local governments that are taking part in this project. He compares the goal of a hydrogen-based society to the first goal of creating a basic unit in Woven City, Toyota's futuristic urban development project.
In Fukushima, Toyota aims to set up power generators at roadside stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores to cover some of the electricity used there. The company also plans to create a place for hydrogen energy demonstration experiments, such as by installing a power supply vehicle as standard equipment to ensure power supply in emergencies.
Toyota has been actively involved in the Tohoku region's recovery efforts since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The company has steadily improved employment and tax payments in the region through implementing long-term sustainable business plans. Robotics testing including flying cars and drones is already being conducted in Fukushima.
Shigeki Terashi, an Executive Fellow, explained the challenges in achieving carbon neutrality. Despite these challenges, Toyoda remains optimistic about the potential of a hydrogen-based society. He believes that if Toyota can demonstrate success in Fukushima, other prefectures and cities will join the movement.
Toyoda has been delivering the message: "Tohoku's recovery will lead the future of Japan" for 10 years. He sees the 10-year mark as an opportunity to consciously move to the next phase. Akio Toyoda's main purpose in inspecting the hydrogen manufacturing process was to determine an approach as a mobility company that would improve people's lives in the future.
As Toyota continues to invest in and develop its hydrogen-based society project in Fukushima, the company is hopeful that other cities will follow suit, leading to a brighter, more sustainable future for Japan.
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