Honda and Mitsubishi have joined forces to test a small data center powered by waste hydrogen from an industrial electrolysis plant. The innovative project aims to repurpose retired automotive fuel cells in a stationary application, marking a significant step in the journey towards decarbonization.
The heart of this initiative lies in the Tokuyama Corporation’s electrolysis plant, situated in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Operating since 1952, the plant produces sodium hypochlorite and chlorine through the electrolysis of saltwater. Crucially, it generates waste hydrogen as a by-product, which will be harnessed for Honda and Mitsubishi’s collaborative project.
Honda plans to utilize this waste hydrogen to fuel a power plant constructed from retired fuel cells recycled from electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi aims to power a small data center using the electricity generated from these repurposed fuel cells.
At its core, the waste hydrogen and second-life fuel cell project strives to test the feasibility of reusing existing products to reduce costs and advance decarbonization efforts. The second-life fuel cell project specifically explores the concept of repurposing retired automotive fuel cells in stationary applications, with the ultimate goal of making fuel cell power plants for such applications more economically viable.
Supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, the joint demonstration project aligns with the nation’s commitment to moving towards a hydrogen society. Japan stands out as a global leader in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), boasting a substantial fleet of approximately 7,700 on its roads. This surplus of retired fuel cells presents a vast supply for innovative projects like Honda and Mitsubishi’s.
If the project achieves its goals, it could have far-reaching implications, especially for countries with a significant number of FCEVs, such as Korea with nearly 30,000 and the US with around 15,000. The prospect of repurposing retired fuel cells opens doors to sustainable practices in other regions, driving the adoption of green technologies globally.
The waste hydrogen and second-life fuel cell project is scheduled to run until the end of March 2026. It represents a collaborative effort that explores the potential of hydrogen in data centers and the broader energy landscape, emphasizing the importance of repurposing existing resources for a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Honda and Mitsubishi’s venture into harnessing waste hydrogen for data centers not only marks a technological breakthrough but also underscores the potential for greener, more sustainable practices in the realm of information technology.
