On February 24, Iwatani announced that it is planning to produce hydrogen derived from brown coal in Hokkaido.

According to the plan, hydrogen produced from brown coal will be liquefied and delivered to consumers. The carbon dioxide emitted in the production process will be stored underground. The place is not disclosed at the moment. The company is now inviting participants from municipalities and private companies for collaboration. Practical scheduling is now being adjusted.

A similar attempt has already been materialized in Australia. In collaboration with the CO2-free supply chain promoting association (HySTRA) and local companies, Iwatani is making verification of its local liquefaction of hydrogen and transportation to Japan using a dedicated vessel.

In the midst of promoting such a process, Iwatani has judged it necessary to procure surely an abundant and inexpensive low-carbon hydrogen at an early date “to realize a decarbonized society” which has been called loudly since last year. In the future Iwatani is in a position to pursue a possibility to enlarge a volume of hydrogen procured in the country making the most of its various knowledge and expertise.