Feb. 19, 2021

Nippon Steel Corporation

The Hydrogen Utilization Study Group in Chubu*1 (“the Study Group” hereafter), in which Nippon Steel Corporation (“Nippon Steel” hereafter) is participating as a member, was established in March 2020 with the aim of constructing a supply chain for the large-scale implementation and stable use of hydrogen in the Chubu region. The Study Group has been studying specific initiatives for this purpose.

Previously, the Study Group estimated the potential demand for hydrogen in various industrial sectors in the Chubu region, verified the supply chain from the receipt of hydrogen from overseas to places of demand, and verified the switchable costs of hydrogen. Now, we are pleased to announce that the results of the study, titled ”Results of study on potential large-scale use of hydrogen toward 2030 in Chubu region and initiatives going forward,” have been compiled with 2030 as the near-term milestone.

Nippon Steel is endeavoring to develop innovative steelmaking technologies that use hydrogen to realize carbon-neutral 'zero carbon steel'. The production of steel with hydrogen requires innovation with an extremely high hurdle. In parallel with this, however, it is also essential to build a supply chain that provides a cost-effective and stable supply of large quantities of hydrogen, and to implement and maintain the necessary infrastructure. In relation to these issues, we will make policy proposals in cooperation with other industries through the Study Group.

*1: The Study Group comprises companies in various industries such as energy (oil, gas and electricity), petrochemicals, automobiles, steel manufacturing and finance.
It is the first initiative of its kind in Japan to promote cross-sectional studies across all industries.
Participating Companies
Alphabetically, Secretariat companies are marked with *
Air Liquide Japan G.K., Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., ENEOS Holdings, Inc., Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd, Iwatani Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation*, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation*

To access the report, please refer to the following.