Renewable Energy Institute released the English translation of “Re-examining Japan’s Hydrogen Strategy: Moving Beyond the “Hydrogen Society” Fantasy” (Original Japanese version was released preliminary on September 9, 2022).

While the movement away from fossil fuels gains momentum, expectations for the use of hydrogen are getting higher. Even though it is commonly understood around the world that hydrogen should be used in areas that are difficult to decarbonize or for limited applications, Japanese government is pushing for the use of hydrogen in “all sectors”, especially use it as fuel in the energy sector. On the other hand, production of green hydrogen is lagging behind.

This report provides an overview of global trends in hydrogen use and production, examines hydrogen strategies in various countries, and identifies the problematic points of the Japanese government’s vision. It also raises issues necessary for rebuilding Japan’s hydrogen strategy.

<Table of Contents>

The English version of the report is a preliminary and partial translation of the Japanese original. Chapters translated into English are marked with an asterisk (Contents, Introduction, Chapter 4 and Conclusion).

Introduction*
Chapter 1. Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonization—Discarding the “Hydrogen Society” Fantasy
1. Level of Priority of Hydrogen Applications
2. Building Sector
3. Industrial and Transportation Sectors
4. Power Sector
Chapter 2. Green Hydrogen Dominates
1. Decrease in Green Hydrogen Costs
2. Energy Crisis Increases Competitiveness of Green Hydrogen
Chapter 3. Global Hydrogen Strategy Trends, with a Focus on Europe
1. EU’s Hydrogen Strategy
2. Germany’s Hydrogen Strategy
3. China’s Hydrogen Strategy
4. Trends in Green Hydrogen Development in Other Countries
5. Increasingly Rigorous Global Blue Hydrogen Emission Standards
Chapter 4. Issues with Japan’s Hydrogen Strategy and Direction for Rebuilding*
1. Selection of Low Priority Applications
2. Prioritization of Fossil Fuel-based Gray and Blue Hydrogen
3. Significant Lag in Domestic Green Hydrogen Production
4. Argument for Rebuilding Hydrogen Strategy
Conclusion*
References
1. Hydrogen Type by Color and CO2 Emissions
2. Cost Structure of Hydrogen
3. Expressing Hydrogen Quantities
4. Companies’ Disclosures on “Table 2. Main Electrolyser Companies and Development Status”

Report Download

Re-examining Japan’s Hydrogen Strategy
Moving Beyond the “Hydrogen Society” Fantasy（Link/PDF）

Written / Published by : Renewable Energy Institute
Publish : September 22, 2022