The Tokyo 2020 Games are showcasing the power of hydrogen, the fuel of the future. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on the planet, it’s light and cleans, and most importantly, produces no CO2 emissions. In this case, the energy used to create the hydrogen comes from a solar array in the Fukushima prefecture.
Marie Sallois, Director for Sustainability at the International Olympic Committee, said “With their immense reach and visibility, the Olympic Games are a great opportunity to demonstrate technologies which can help tackle today’s challenges, such as climate change,”
In 2017, Japan adopted a national hydrogen strategy, and invested almost US$300 million (€254,744,700) in research and development between 2017 and 2019. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government created the ReHES, or Research Centre for a Hydrogen Energy-Based Society at Tokyo Technical University, responsible for many advances regarding hydrogen technology.
To guarantee the required supply of hydrogen, one of the world’s largest hydrogen plants was built in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, in preparation for the Olympics. The facility uses 10,000 kilowatts of solar power to produce 900 tonnes of hydrogen each year.
Toyota, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, has provided 500 hydrogen FCEV Mirai cars, 100 FCEV Sora buses, (fuelled by 10 tanks capable of 600 litres of hydrogen), and a fleet of FCEV fork-lift trucks. Furthermore, 35 hydrogen fuelling stations have been set up around the city.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plan to have 80 stations and 100,000 hydrogen FCEVs on the capital’s roads by 2025.
Hydrogen is being used to provide heat, hot water and light in the Olympic Village facilities for 11,000 athletes. It’s Japan’s first complete hydrogen infrastructure. Following the games, it will be turned into hydrogen powered flats, a school, shops and other facilities.
Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko stated “The Tokyo 2020 Games are being asked a crucial question, which is this: What value can be discovered in holding the Games and engaging in sport within the context of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis?,” She added, “Now is our opportunity to show the world the inherent power of sport and set an example of a more sustainable Games”.
