On March 22, it was announced a revision in the H2 / FC Strategy Roadmap which may well be a scenario to develop H2 energy of Japan, showing numerically the concrete diffusing target of FCV and H2 station. In terms of the number of vehicle, FCV is targeted to attain 40,000 by 2020, 200,000 by 2025 and 800,000 by 2030, while the number of H2 station is targeted to attain 100 locations within 2016, 160 by 2020 and 320 by 2025. For reference, the annual demand of hydrogen for 200,000 FCVs is estimated to be 220 million cubic meter and 880 million cubic meter for 800,000 FCVs in 2030.

In addition, it was stated that a gross profit of 500 yen per kg (equivalent to 45 yen per Nm3) would be required for an autonomous station aimed in the later part of 2020. As the profit criterion has been set, the cost reducing target of hydrogen cost and construction expenses could be clarified. For example, on the assumption of the current 1,100 yen (100 yen/ Nm3) hydrogen sales price, 600 yen per kg (equivalent to 55 yen per Nm3) for H2 cost, construction and management costs would be required to secure the gross profit of 500 yen per kg.

The H2 cost is estimated to be 30 yen per Nm3. It is a price based on the planned procurement from overseas countries to be implemented in the latter half of 2020s. The roadmap took into account the import of hydrogen using the raw materials of unused natural resources abroad to procure inexpensive and massive hydrogen. The target price is set at 30 yen (ex-tanker price for delivery to inland shores). Based on the procurement at the price, the cost of construction and management of station may be covered by the remaining 25 yen per Nm3.

In terms of power generating cost, 30 yen per Nm3 corresponds to 17 yen per kWh. This level is relatively higher than LNG-fired power plant (10.7 yen per kWh) or coal-fired power plant (9.5 yen per kWh), but is lower than oil-fired power plant (20.8 to 36 yen per kWh).