Norway aims to help Japan build a hydrogen society
May 2, 2017Norway and Australia are looking to provide Japan with hydrogen fuel
Norway and Australia are competing with one another to provide the fuel needed for Japan’s efforts to establish a hydrogen society. Japan is working to transition away from conventional forms of energy in favor of using hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells are meant to be used to power vehicles, homes, and businesses and can operate without producing any harmful emissions. In order for a hydrogen society to take form in Japan, the country must have reliable access to fuel, which is a need that both Australia and Norway are looking to satisfy.
Norwegian project focuses on the use of renewable energy in order to generate hydrogen
Currently, Australia plans to use brown coal to power its hydrogen production methods. Norway, however, may win Japan’s favor due to a pilot project that will use renewable energy to generate hydrogen. Such a project aligns more closely with Japan’s plans to build a hydrogen society. The Norwegian project already has the backing of several organizations, including Nel Hydrogen, a company focused on hydrogen. Through the project, Norway plans to deliver liquefied hydrogen to Japan, which will then be used to power fuel cells throughout the country.
Australia’s hydrogen production plans rely on brown coal
Australia’s plan to produce hydrogen relies heavily on brown coal. Because of this, the production process generates a considerable amount of emissions. In order to mitigate the environmental impact of the production process, Australia will have to collect these emissions and store them in old oil and gas wells that are no longer in use. Because the production process generates emissions, it is less ideal than the project being developed in Norway. Australia already has a considerable lead over Norway when it comes to producing hydrogen for Japan, however.
Japan must develop a better infrastructure in order to form a hydrogen society
The Japanese government is currently providing support for projects in both Australia and Norway. The country is currently making significant progress on its plans to establish a hydrogen society, but several obstacles remain. One issue is the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, which is needed to effectively power fuel cells. While countries like Norway and Australia are aiding in hydrogen supply, Japanw ill have to develop a stronger infrastructure in order for a hydrogen society to take form.