Feature Article:

Realizing a Decarbonized Society through Innovative Technologies
Conversation

Helping to make fuel cellvehicles (FCVs) a practical reality
with the power of catalysts
N.E. CHEMCAT has positioned the Fuel Cell Catalyst Businessas one of the important pillars for achieving Vision 2030. We
invited Dr. Akihiro Iiyama, a specially appointed professor
at the University of Yamanashi and leading authority on thedevelopment of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) systems to discuss
topics such as trends in the practical use of hydrogen in society
and FCVs in Japan and overseas, as well as the challenges ofcatalysts in the future with Hiroshi Igarashi, Vice President ofN.E. CHEMCAT and General Manager of our R&D Center.

Hiroshi Igarashi

Vice President, General Manager of R&D Center

Prof. Akihiro Iiyama

Specially Appointed Professor, Director of the Hydrogen and
Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center, University of Yamanashi

Why hydrogen now?

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itself from natural gas imported from Russia and transi-

pectations. Moreover, the Japanese government also an-tion to new energy sources. The target for introduction

nounced an additional new intermediate target for 2040,

of hydrogen has doubled, also out of consideration foreven though they have only set targets for the domesticenergy security.

introduction of hydrogen in 2030 and 2050. The concrete

Igarashi: The U.S. has also announced a National Clean

plan, which also includes energy exports from Japan, is an

Hydrogen Strategy. Just the other day, at the presentation

unprecedented move, and it is having a strong impact on

session related to energy that I attended with you in thehydrogen-related industries.

U.S., I was surprised by the statement that the hydrogen― How is the industrial world taking the govern-

fuel cell market size has increased from the previous level

ment’s activity?

of several tens of millions of dollars to several billions of

Igarashi: As a company, up to this point we haven’t known

dollars. A huge budget has also been set for establish-

the specific indicators for how far we should proceed on

ing infrastructure and I feel that the budget for hydrogen

R&D, how much volume to target, by when, and to what

energy will really increase rapidly and keep pace. Europe

level. To be honest, I thought the hydrogen conversion as

and the U.S. are also investing in building a supply chain

an energy source would be difficult by only using surplus

to sustain a hydrogen-based society.

electric power and renewable energy to produce hydro-

Iiyama: The Japanese government has also reacted togen. However, the fact that Japan has determined the pol-such movements with acute sensitivity and announced anicy as a country also clarifies our policy on investment as

updated Basic Hydrogen Strategy in June 2023. This strat-

a company. I see the national strategy as a strong push

egy has set a target of 15 GW for the introduction of wa-

from behind.

ter electrolysis equipment for 2030 in companies related

Iiyama: Seeing the movement at the national level gives

to Japan, both in Japan and overseas. It is noteworthy thatme a strong sense of wanting to develop hydrogen into aJapan has set a target in both Japan and overseas, or incompetitive industrial field. For example, using the waterother words, a target for Japan’s share of the global pow-

electrolysis equipment of Japanese companies in the Mid-er generation market. I know the Japanese government

dle East and other areas with an abundance of renewable

is thinking of a plan for expanding the water electroly-energy to produce clean, cheap hydrogen and transport

sis industry in Japan overseas and think companies are

it to Japan. I think movement in that direction will acceler-

probably getting a fresh sense of the enormity of the ex-ate from this point on.

― To begin with, Professor Iiyama, please tell me about

when necessary. They are also using hydrogen as alter-

the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center

native fuel, as a heat source for plants and other facilities.

where you serve as Director.

Efforts have also emerged to produce synthetic fuel (e-fuel)Iiyama: The University of Yamanashi has put effort into

using hydrogen and atmospheric CO2 as raw materials― Catalysts are essential technology in thinking about

in the U.S. It is the role of catalyst manufacturers such as

research on catalysts for fuel cells since the 1960s. The

and use this as a new energy source. Clean hydrogen is

the value chain for hydrogen, as hydrogen increases in

N.E. CHEMCAT to provide a stable supply of high quali-

university’s efforts were recently recognized and the Fuelthe key to both of these efforts.

importance. What challenges do catalysts present?

ty catalysts that offer high performance. I am convinced

Cell Nanomaterials Center was established in 2008 as

Igarashi: Looking back, Japan pursued research on the

Iiyama: Catalysts present the problem of resources forthat it will be difficult to develop practical applications ofa project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology

use of hydrogen early on, since the Sunshine Project in

iridium, which is a rare metal. As a catalyst with high ox-

innovative catalysts, including the cost involved, as long

Development Organization (NEDO). The name was sub-1974. They were looking at hydrogen use from the per-ygen generation activity and high durability, iridium is

as we limit our research to the current trajectory. We aresequently changed in 2022 in light of the growing impor-spective of energy conservation at the time, but hydrogenthe first rare metal I would mention. The undergroundtherefore aiming to develop high performance catalysts

tance of hydrogen.

is now drawing interest as a CO2-free energy source and,reserves and the amount extracted are both extremelythat have the potential to change the world if we can de-

Igarashi: Interest in hydrogen has surged globally sinceunlike electric power, it is viewed as an energy source that

small. I look forward to N.E. CHEMCAT using its techno-

velop them successfully.

the Declaration of the Carbon Neutrality Coalition inis easy to use because it is possible to store and transport

logical prowess to make progress on resource conserva-

Iiyama: Expanding the discussion to the entire hydrogen2021, hasn’t it?

it. I think hydrogen is drawing interest as a new energytion, on that point.

value chain, how do you think it will develop?

Iiyama: Maximum utilization of renewable energy is nec-

source due to these advantages.

Igarashi: We, of course, also recognize the problem with

Igarashi: The use of ammonia and other hydrogen com-essary to achieve carbon neutrality. The key to that is the― How will the world approach hydrogen in the future?

using a large amount of iridium. We are therefore devel-

pounds to store and transport hydrogen, and the use ofhandling of surplus electric power.

Catalysts, the key to the hydrogen value chain

Iiyama: Europe is where conditions have changed rap-

oping catalysts that can minimize the amount of iridiumhydrogen to produce clean fuel are examples. Catalysts

In Europe, surplus electric power is used to operate

idly with respect to energy sources. Europe was pursu-

used as much as possible, and are also taking on the chal-play an important role in either case so we are also keep-

water electrolysis equipment. They are gradually install-ing the introduction of clean hydrogen as part of thelenge of open innovation with the National Laboratories

ing in mind contributions in these areas.

ing systems for converting electric power to hydrogen

trend toward carbon neutrality when Russia suddenly

and storing it, and converting it back to electric power

invaded Ukraine. As a result, Europe had to rapidly wean

SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT 2023

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Feature Article:

Realizing a Decarbonized Society through Innovative Technologies
Roadmap to developing a hydrogen-based society andpractical use of FCVs

with high activity on the surface of catalyst particles, orwith auto manufacturers overseas. However, just as you

apply in one layer on the shell, and use different materi-stated, we will not aspire to game-changing innovation

als for the core. This will drastically reduce the amount ofunless we set a target that strikes us as impractical now.

platinum, a rare metal, used. Ultimately, how far catalyst― The proliferation of FCVs is a major key to expanding theto establish hydrogen stations in the necessary locations,

My dream for the future is to make the FCV a car for thedevelopment on a monoatomic layer progressed?

demand for hydrogen. How do you think it will proceed?

so this will likely make practical implementation possible.

general public. I want the presence of the FCV to be highIgarashi: As I mentioned earlier, we are engaged in joint

Iiyama: We need to divide FCVs into passenger cars andIiyama: However, we are not just ignoring passenger carsenough so it is the first thing everyone thinks of whendevelopment with the U.S. National Laboratories and, tocommercial vehicles and think about them separately. In

because of this. Research on FCVs as large commercial

they think about buying a car.

be honest, I cannot discuss the details at present. How-the passenger car category, there are a huge number ofvehicles is proceeding at NEDO as well. If this research isIiyama: I look forward to the development of theever, I want to create a world in which FCVs are routinely

competitors such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) andsuccessful, it is conceivable that FCVs hold future promise

next-generation catalysts and core-shell catalysts thatdriving around by around 2040. To achieve that, I thinkplug-in hybrid vehicles. The market is also established. On

in segments such as large vehicles where they are com-will make that possible. Use platinum and other materials

our proposal for 2030 needs to be concrete in form.

the other hand, we cannot say that a sufficient number ofpeting with BEVs, even in the passenger car category.

hydrogen stations have been established to provide the

Igarashi: We are also working with the auto manufactur-

infrastructure for FCVs. At present, it is difficult to makeers to develop FCVs, but this is mainly focused on com-

progress on establishing hydrogen stations because of

mercial vehicles, and on large passenger cars, after that.

the cost, so it is hard to choose an FCV for a passenger

If FCVs spread to this genre, I think the means to solve

car as a practical matter.

the problem of infrastructure will become clear. In Europe

Igarashi: However, the situation changes completely inand the U.S., hydrogen stations are being establishedthe case of commercial vehicles.

based on the premise of accommodating long-distance― Hydrogen is bursting with potential and it is essential

Iiyama: That’s true. For example, BEVs are not practicaltravel. If FCVs begin to become popular as commercial

to have the human resources to achieve that potential.

as large trucks because their continuous driving range is

vehicles in Japan, this will likely spur efforts to establish

How are you thinking of developing human resources?

limited. In that case, the competitors in the commercial

the infrastructure to stimulate demand here as well.

Iiyama: We are implementing two initiatives at present.

vehicle category are e-fuel, hydrogen engines, and similar― Catalysts play an important role in practical applica-

One is conducting a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industrial

technologies, but FCVs are the most practical option intions for FCVs. Practically speaking, what technologicalTechnology Human Resources Training Course for techni-terms of cost and efficiency in that case. I therefore thinkrequirements and standards would suffice?

cians in small and medium-sized companies in Yamanashi

that widespread proliferation of FCVs will begin from

Iiyama: NEDO has created a roadmap for the level of re-Prefecture, under contract with the prefecture. This train-large commercial vehicles.

quirements and has disclosed the numerical values thating course provides an opportunity for participants to

Igarashi: In the U.S., there is movement toward using

should be met for catalysts used in fuel cells for large

attend lectures by guest lecturers who are engineers in

FCVs for trans-continental trailers and other transport ve-

commercial vehicles. The values set are on a complete-companies that are at the forefront of the hydrogen fuelhicles. If transport is limited to certain routes, it will sufficely different level than before. The operating temperaturecell field and learn new skills, including the actual technol-

was set at 95°C up to this point, but stable operation is

ogy used in fuel cells.

now required at 120°C, a far higher level. The target is so

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took the place of the customary greetings when meeting

SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT 2023

Developing human resources
for the next generation in thefield of hydrogen

The other initiative is a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Class

Akihiro Iiyama

high that it strikes catalyst researchers as absurd.

designed for local elementary and middle school students.

Igarashi: It is certainly an inconceivable target, in a

I want the youth who will be responsible for the future tosense. In my view, achieving this target will necessitate

learn what is exciting about hydrogen. In that sense, thejoint development in which materials manufacturers work

new Clean Energy Chemistry Course established in thewith technology manufacturers as a team.

University of Yamanashi Faculty of Engineering in April

Iiyama: I see the establishment of an extremely high2024 is also one way to develop the human resources whotarget as the flip side of the sense of urgency. In short,

will be responsible for hydrogen energy in the future.

pursuing technological development along conventional

Igarashi: I think excellent talent will emerge from thoselines cannot overcome the limitations, so it will require

initiatives. N.E. CHEMCAT also has great expectations ofmaterial informatics and other types of disruptive innova-

your initiatives, Professor Iiyama. As you mentioned, theto innovate. I pay more attention to “creating the environ-tion. Innovation is essential in order to achieve the level ofskills of young people are essential to R&D. There are alsoment to develop people” rather than “developing people.”

practical application we want to see in 2040.

cases in which innovative ideas waft in from people out-

Iiyama: Our discussion today has given me a fresh aware-

Igarashi: I have been involved in fuel cell development forside of specialized areas. We therefore also make a con-ness of how catalysts are used in manufacturing and a wide

30 years. At the time, I thought that FCVs would be driv-

scious effort to give form to small insights and discoveries.

range of other areas in society, in addition to hydrogen, anding all over the world in 30 years’ time. Many researchers

It is extremely important to have an environment where

how essential catalysts are to achieving carbon neutrality. I

held the same view, so much so that the comment “it isn’t

everyone can debate ideas and technology, regardless of

think there is business for your company at each point, so keep

going as well as we expected and we are really struggling”

their position in the hierarchy, and stimulate one anotherup the good work and do not miss out on such opportunities.

Joined a major auto manufacturer after graduating from The
University of Tokyo. After working on R&D on fuel cells, EV
systems, and other topics and serving as the General Manager of the Fuel Cell and EV System Laboratories, he became a
specially appointed professor of the University of Yamanashi
Graduate School for Engineering in February 2015. Professor
Iiyama performs research on automotive fuel cell systems,
electrode catalysts, electrolyte materials (membranes), MEA,
and other areas. PhD, Engineering.

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