Iwatani completed the expansion work to scale up the production capacity of liquefied hydrogen which had been in progress at “HydroEdge” (Sakai, Osaka Pref.) a joint venture with Kansai Electric and Sakai LNG, started operation on April 1.

The investment at this time is intended to make the output capacity of liquefied hydrogen 1.5 times more at the production base by adding another 3000ℓ/h of one line to the existing two lines of 3000ℓ/h.

The group has already been operating liquefied hydrogen production centers of Iwatani Industrial gases Chiba Plant (3,000ℓ x 1 line) and Yamaguchi Liquid Hydrogen (3,000ℓ x 2 lines). Including these bases, the group has accomplished the development of a total production capacity of about 120 million m3 per annum with 3,000ℓ x 6 lines across the country.

Iwatani explained the reason of its decision of the investment that the demand in the field of rocket fuel, semiconductor, chemicals and other industries is growing year after year and that a substantial growth can be anticipated in the energy-related applications. The company intends to keep reinforcing the capability for more stable supply aiming at realization of a hydrogen energy society in the future.