This report summarizes the results of a utilization model consideration and dissemination project for expanding hydrogen utilization in Hokkaido conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY 2024.
Hokkaido has abundant renewable energy resources and is expected to be a suitable location for hydrogen production and utilization. Expanding hydrogen energy utilization is one of the important strategies toward achieving carbon neutrality.
This project examined hydrogen utilization models leveraging Hokkaido's regional characteristics, analyzed demonstration cases, and conducted dissemination activities. Technical and economic challenges and solutions at each stage of production, transportation/storage, and utilization were examined in detail.
Examination results confirmed high potential for green hydrogen production utilizing wind power generation in Hokkaido. Additionally, advantages were revealed including large-scale hydrogen production leveraging vast territory, demonstration of hydrogen utilization technology in cold regions, and function as a hydrogen supply base to Honshu.
On the other hand, challenges were also extracted including large initial investment, high transportation costs, need for demand creation, and securing technical personnel. Specific policy proposals for solving these challenges were also included.
The results of this project are expected to be utilized as important reference materials for Hokkaido's hydrogen strategy formulation and nationwide hydrogen policy promotion.