Tokyo Gas has marked a significant milestone in Japan’s hydrogen industry by introducing the country’s first Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer hydrogen station. This innovative technology offers numerous advantages, including a simple structure and cost reductions, while supporting Tokyo Gas’ goal of achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050.
The Senju Hydrogen Station, established in 2016, has historically produced hydrogen from city gas. However, in a remarkable shift, the station now utilizes 100% renewable electricity with a non-fossil certificate. This transition empowers the station to manufacture and sell hydrogen, positioning it at the forefront of Japan’s hydrogen industry.
The AEM water electrolyzer is a novel technology that Tokyo Gas has embraced at the Senju Hydrogen Station. This cutting-edge equipment offers a simple yet flexible structure, enabling the adjustment of hydrogen production volume by combining small modules. Moreover, the use of AEM water electrolyzers has the potential to reduce the cost of cell stacks, making hydrogen production more economically viable.
By integrating the AEM water electrolyzer at the Senju Hydrogen Station, Tokyo Gas aims to gain valuable insights into system configuration and operation management. The company envisions supporting the widespread adoption of AEM water electrolyzers in factories and hydrogen stations, fostering the growth of the hydrogen supply business and advancing the transition to a decarbonized society.
Tokyo Gas selected Enapter as the manufacturer of the AEM water electrolyzer for the Senju Hydrogen Station. The equipment comprises 30 modules, providing a hydrogen production capacity of 15 Nm3/h. These modules can operate independently, ensuring continuous operation in the event of a single failure, thanks to their redundancy feature.
To optimize the hydrogen production equipment’s operating rate, Tokyo Gas plans to produce hydrogen even during nighttime hours. The surplus hydrogen will be stored at low pressure in a dedicated tank, ensuring a constant supply to meet demand.
Tokyo Gas is committed to its management vision, “Compass 2030,” which includes the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions. Through pioneering technological developments for decarbonization and leading the charge toward carbon neutrality, Tokyo Gas aims to contribute to a sustainable, decarbonized society by 2050.
