Honda Motor in collaboration with Tokuyama Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation, is set to conduct a joint demonstration aimed at revolutionizing the way data centers are powered.
The ambitious project, known as the “Demonstration Project,” is part of the broader “Development of Technologies for Realizing a Hydrogen Society / Development of Technologies for Regional Hydrogen Utilization” initiative, adopted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
The primary goal of this Demonstration Project is to operate a data center using by-product hydrogen, a result of Tokuyama’s salt water electrolysis business. The stationary fuel cell (FC) power station, designed to reuse FC systems from fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), will be developed by Honda. This collaborative effort aims to explore the potential of repurposing automotive FC systems in stationary applications, reducing the economic burden on customers installing and operating FC systems.
The potential impact of this initiative is significant, contributing to the decarbonization of electric power and addressing the increasing power demand for data centers. With technologies like generative AI and automated driving driving the need for large-volume data processing, the use of by-product hydrogen and fuel cells becomes crucial. The Project Members aspire to facilitate the decarbonization of data centers, fostering the digital transformation of municipalities and local businesses.
The initiative aligns with a broader trend towards sustainable practices in the digital landscape. As technologies advance, the power demands of data centers are expected to surge. Honda’s innovative approach, utilizing by-product hydrogen and fuel cells, signifies a step towards a cleaner and more sustainable digital future.