As a result of discussions that began in May 2017, these 11 companies have signed an agreement to form a new company in the spring of 2018, aimed at the full-fledged development of hydrogen refueling stations: Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Iwatani Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Air Liquide Japan Ltd., Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Development Bank of Japan Inc.
The objective of the new company is to enhance the collaboration among infrastructure developers, automakers, and financial institutions in order to simultaneously accelerate and scale up Japan’s deployment of hydrogen stations and fuel cell vehicles. According to the “Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” (revised March 22, 2016) released by the Council for a Strategy for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, an industry body organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, in the initial phase of promoting hydrogen vehicles, the target penetration is 160 stations and 40,000 vehicles by FY 2020.
The company will aim to complete its mission in 10 years. During the first four years in Phase 1, it intends to target the construction of 80 new stations. To achieve this goal, new companies, extending beyond the current member companies, will be invited to participate. Moreover, while taking into account subsidies from the national government and initiatives of local governments, the company will develop its own original “Hydrogen Station Deployment Plan,” in order to create an environment in which many users can enjoy driving fuel cell vehicles in Japan.
By collecting and utilizing information regarding the construction and operation of hydrogen refueling stations through infrastructure developers, which will oversee operations of these stations, the new company will also contribute to efficient operations and other road map objectives, by improving convenience for fuel cell vehicle users and reducing costs and reviewing regulations.
Source: Toyota
