Hydrogen and fuel cell (FC) technology are getting active use in fields other than cars. We paid a visit to Japan's first hydrogen-powered passenger ship, and to the bustling H2 & FC Expo.
Japan’s first hydrogen and biodiesel-fueled hybrid passenger ship, the Hanaria, began operations this April in Kitakyushu. The ship has the same hydrogen fuel cells as the Mirai on board.
Power sources can be switched depending on the situation, using hydrogen, biodiesel, or both at once. Thanks to this, it reduces CO2 emissions (compared to a fossil fuel-powered ship) from 53% to 100%.
Yuta Tomikawa came to experience the ship running on hydrogen alone, in zero-emission mode. Check out the video to see what it’s like on a smooth voyage without CO2 or noise.
Unlike cars, ships can’t stop by a hydrogen station to fill up. This was a new challenge from a technology standpoint. The reporting team went inside the ship to see the navigation system made possible by Toyota’s collaborations with other companies.
As we have seen with the Hanaria, uses for hydrogen fuel cells (FC) are not limited to cars. In the second half of the program, take a look at the H2 & FC Expo held in February.
Many companies and governments had exhibits, showing a variety of uses for hydrogen and FC technology, such as water heaters and power generators. There were even visitors from overseas. Watch the program to see the lively expo site for yourself.
The desire to make hydrogen a more familiar source of energy. These efforts supported by that desire are expanding to many places beyond just cars. Don’t miss this look at the forefront of partnership-building for a carbon neutral future.