Toyota Motor, Iwatani, Toshiba and Toyota Turbine & Systems as a group of four are going to participate in the verification project commissioned by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) to utilize low-carbon hydrogen for application to the Keihin waterfront area of Kanagawa Prefecture, in collaboration with the local governments of Yokohama City and Kawsaki City as well as Kanagawa Prefecture. The verification project represented by Toyota Motor was employed by MOE for a scheduled period of four years from April 2016.

Although the practical details of equipment for the verification are still being discussed, it has been decided that Iwatani will be in charge of the storage and transportation of hydrogen.　 As for the budget, MOE will be responsible. The verification project at this time aims at realization of a comprehensive system utilizing hydrogen through the establishment of hydrogen supply chain engaged in storage or transportation of hydrogen in addition to the “production of CO2-free hydrogen” making the most of renewable energy.

The hydrogen production of the verification project is made by Toshiba-made electrolytic device taking advantage of water electrolysis. The electric power for this purpose is procured from part of the electricity generated by Yokohama Wind Power Plant “HAMA WING” (rated output:1980kw, annual generation of 2.19 million kwh). Adopting the renewable energy of wind-aided power generation, they will be able to realize the production of “CO2-free H2.” Furthermore, Toyota Turbine & Systems will be in charge of the storage battery system. The storage and transportation of produced hydrogen will be dealt with by Iwatani. The hydrogen generated by the water electrolytic device will be stored in the hydrogen storage tank and the compressed hydrogen be transported by a simplified hydrogen filling vehicle via the compressor. In case that there occurs a shortage of hydrogen output by the water electrolytic device, hydrogen will be supplied for backup.

With regard to the utilization of hydrogen, Toyota’s FC-aided forklifts will be used for the driving fuel in the warehouses, vegetable and fruit markets and logistics warehouses. It is now being discussed where and how many vehicles are used concretely, but several forklifts will be introduced. They already organized a committee on September 7 of this year to make out the schedule until the start of verification，and are examining the direction of verification toward the start of a full-fledged verification in and after April 2016.