Next-Gene ration Fuel Cell R e s e a r c h C e n t e r

Next-Generation Fuel Cell Research Center▶http://fc.kyushu-u.ac.jp

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is the most efficient of all fuel cells thatcan be used for clean and highly efficient energy generation systems, andis attracting attention as a revolutionary solution for energy problems andglobal warming. Despite this, there are various challenges that need to be
overcome before we can realize full-fledged commercialization of SOFC andother next-generation fuel cells, challenges that will require improvements indurability, reliability and performance. This center was established to createa fast-track to overcoming those challenges, as a joint industry-academia
research hub that will realize development and early commercialization ofnext-generation fuel cells. This will be done in close cooperation between

Director

Kazunari SASAKI

Deputy Director

Tatsumi ISHIHARA

Deputy Director

Shunsuke TANIGUCHI

Kyushu University, which is intensively engaged in fuel cell research, andvarious developing companies. (As of January 1, 2012)【Functions of the Center】○ The preparation of rooms for researchers andlaboratories that can be used as industrial
research sub-offices (with already establishedsecurity controls).
○ The provision of state-of-the-art analyzing
equipment to enable the“visualization”offuel cells on atomic and nano levels in a
nondestructive way.
○ The provision of one-stop solutions, frombasic research, improvement in durability
and reliability, expansion of applicability,and systems technology development totroubleshooting.
○ The implementation of joint research withmanagement of confidentiality protection
and intellectual property rights, offering
opportunities for joint research with multiple
researchers from Kyushu University.
○ Making opportunities available for technologicalexchange between participating corporations,
aimed at public project proposals.
○ The offering of technology workshops for researchers and technicians from participating corporations, and support for working people
who seek to obtain doctorate degrees.
○ The provision of opportunities to participate in basic research projects with researchers overseas.
Support for the establishment of a global network that anticipates future business operations abroad, and the securing of professional
personnel abroad.
○ Identifying the needs of the industrial community, and reflecting those needs in the management policy of the center, as decided by
the Center Council, which will consist of executives from major participating corporations, policy makers from the national and local
governments and key faculty members of Kyushu University.
○ Prioritizing the handling of various support measures based on the“Green Asia International Strategic Comprehensive Special Zone”
program approved by the Cabinet Secretariat.

【Center Building】
This center has been constructed as part of the“Next–Generation Fuel Cell Research Facility”project,proposed by Kyushu University and adopted by theMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Innovation
Center Establishment Assistance Program“Technology(Bridge”development program). (As of June 30, 2011)

International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research

17Next-Generation Fuel Cell Research Center