Hydrogen Solution for Decarbonization (A)
new!
A Start in Getting to Know the Uses of Hydrogen Energy
Sep.13‚ 2024 to Oct.15‚ 2024
Youichi TAWARA‚ Course Leader
Hydrogen-fired Gas Turbine Power Generation Equipment by Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Photo1 Visit to Research Center for Hydrogen Industrial Use and Storage‚ Kyushu University
Nine people from energy sector government and public institutions in South America (Ecuador‚ Uruguay)‚ Africa (Angola‚ Egypt) and Asia (Bangladesh‚ Indonesia‚ Laos‚ Mongolia) participated in this course. It was entrusted to KITA by JICA‚ and we held lectures and field trips during its 33-day schedule. The lecturers were from government and public institutions‚ private companies and academic societies‚ and the participants learned about (1) fundamental knowledge‚ (2) global technical and business trends‚ (3) administrative initiatives at the state‚ prefectural and municipal levels‚ and (4) the latest technologies and initiatives in the industrial world from the respective aspects of “production‚ storage‚ transportation‚ and use.”
Photo2 Visit to Pilot Plant of MCH (Methylcyclohexane) as Hydrogen Carrier by Chiyoda Corporation‚ Koyasu Research Park
Most of the field trips were in Fukuoka Prefecture‚ but the participants visited 10 locations in all‚ including Kofu‚ Yokohama‚ Kusatsu‚ and Kobe‚ and inspected a research and testing facility (Photo 1)‚ technologies for the long-distance transportation of hydrogen (Photo 2)‚ and a hydrogen use demonstration facility (Top Photo & Photo 3).
The participants engaged enthusiastically with the lectures and field trips. On-site‚ in particular‚ they would ask an endless stream of questions. This was the third time we have held a training course related to hydrogen energy‚ and so far we have welcomed a total of 28 participants from 23 countries. The participants set the theme they wish to study during the course in advance‚ before they arrive in Japan. That theme strongly reflects not only their homeland’s energy resources structure‚ but also its geopolitical and economic circumstances. Participants from countries that are rich in renewable energy resources have studied not only the use of green hydrogen in their own country but also about the possibilities for its export. Participants from countries that are dependent on fossil fuels have learned how the use of hydrogen will further boost decarbonization.
Photo3 Visit to Hydrogen Utilization Demonstration Facility (H2 KIBOU FIELD) by Panasonic
The participants were initially rather nervous but gradually became more at ease as the course progressed. When they had visited facilities on field trips‚ and experienced tours in Kyoto and Hiroshima‚ they suddenly became a more close-knit group and could be seen exchanging opinions and advice. Based on the fruits of their training‚ each participant drew up an action plan for after their return to their homeland‚ and gave a presentation on the final day of the course. A variety of approaches were utilized‚ such as disseminating information and education‚ and creating policies‚ systems and business models. In order to move forward with any of those approaches‚ it is essential to know the latest accurate information. I believe that‚ on this course‚ they were able to know part of the latest information about the use of hydrogen energy. Going forward‚ I hope that they will gain a deeper knowledge in their respective homelands and channel it towards practical implementation.
