Recommended Strategy of Hydrogen Integration to Decarbonize Japan’s Energy Market

Abstract

Objectives: The main objectives of this theses were to investigate Japan’s current strategies for the integration of hydrogen in their energy market and contrast it against relevant literature and perspectives to recommend a more effective plan that would help Japan achieve their goals for sustainable energy generation.

Summary: The viability of Japan’s current hydrogen strategy is questioned over its effectiveness to appropriately address the energy and environmental concerns they face. To understand the strategy and investigate ways to improve it, analyses of Japan’s ongoing hydrogen projects and an interview with a hydrogen strategy consultant were conducted to gather varying perspectives on Japan’s progression on the integration of hydrogen energy.

Conclusions: Japan’s strategy for hydrogen integration was found to be misguided in several aspects, focusing too much on cost reductions and the public use of hydrogen. By shifting their priorities toward long-term environmental benefits over short-term cost-competitiveness, it was established that Japan could support projects that realize an effective and sustainable energy market.