ERIA holds East Asia Summit Hydrogen workshop in Japan
The workshop compared hydrogen demand and production potential in the East Asian Summit (EAS) region with the global hydrogen situation.
ERIA workshop noted that since the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, carbon neutrality has become globally relevant, with hydrogen production acknowledged as an important zero-emission technology.
As indicated in the workshop, hydrogen is a versatile fuel used for power generation, transport, heating, and space missions and can replace fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas.
Whilst considering issues and challenges surrounding hydrogen technology development, the workshop noted that the hydrogen policies of EAS countries, especially those of hydrogen technology frontrunners such as Japan, play a crucial role in achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050 by pioneering the creation of optimal hydrogen supply networks in the EAS region and setting up a conducive environment for hydrogen business.
The workshop was organised by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ), with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Japan.
Ms Hino Yukari, Director of Advanced Energy Systems and Structure Division at, METI, Japan, said, “Even from an energy security standpoint, shifting to clean energy to attain carbon neutrality would result in the rapid increase in the significance and function of hydrogen.”
Mr Shigeru Kimura, ERIA’s Special Adviser on Energy Affairs, said, “Three points necessary to enhance the deployment of hydrogen: progress of hydrogen technology in both supply and demand sides; clear government policy; and holding of regional and international conferences, seminars, and workshops to increase common understanding of hydrogen.”
Mr Hiroki Yoshida, Deputy Director of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Strategy Office, ANRE, METI Japan, said, “Japan has designated hydrogen production as a priority area for the Green Growth Strategy, and that the country is attempting to further introduce hydrogen and decrease its cost through the green innovation fund and other initiatives.”
