Tokyo's First Commercial Green Hydrogen Heat Source Facility Launches in Akasaka District

Akanetsu, a district energy provider operating in Tokyo's Akasaka area since the 1950s, launched the facility in partnership with TBS Holdings as part of the company's Green Transformation strategy. The plant sources green hydrogen from power-to-gas demonstrations in Yamanashi Prefecture and stores it in specialized low-pressure hydrogen storage alloy tanks before deployment.

The facility integrates three primary technologies: pure hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen and oxygen into zero-emission electricity and water, hydrogen co-fired boilers that blend up to 50% hydrogen with city gas to produce steam for heating and cooling, and low-pressure alloy storage systems that safely secure hydrogen in densely populated neighborhoods.

Rather than installing new infrastructure, Akanetsu retrofitted existing district energy distribution systems, reducing installation time, costs, and urban disruption. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government provided grant funding through its hydrogen deployment framework, while national policy support includes Japan's 2023 "Safety + 3E" initiative, which allocated over 15 trillion yen to hydrogen and clean energy projects.

The facility demonstrates the viability of urban hydrogen infrastructure in areas unsuitable for solar or wind generation. It also provides emergency backup power and aims to serve as a model for other cities pursuing decarbonization goals. TBS plans to use its broadcasting platforms to share performance data and promote public understanding of hydrogen technology.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Fuel News. Read the full article →