Japan’s Itochu Corp, Air Liquide and Itochu Enex have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in developing a hydrogen value chain, Itochu said on February 26.

They will start by considering ‘local-production-for-local consumption’ business models in major metropolitan areas, and jointly explore hydrogen production, supply system and the expansion of the hydrogen station business. This will be a part of efforts to help scale up the hydrogen market for the industry, including in the mobility sector, Itochu said. 

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“The three companies will be further developed to promote the hydrogen business in Japan and overseas, with the aim of establishing a world-class hydrogen value chain in anticipation of future hydrogen imports to Japan,” it said. 
 
In December last year, Japan announced the ‘Green Growth Strategy Towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality’, which sees hydrogen as a key solution for decarbonising various sectors.

“Commercial fuel cell vehicles such as trucks are also attracting special attention in the area of hydrogen utilisation in the transportation sector, where there are rising expectations,” Itochu said. “Additionally, the government has clarified its policy of achieving 100% e-vehicles in new car sales by the year 2035, which is expected to spur the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles moving forward.”