Leveraging expertise in hydrogen technologies to advance the transition to a hydrogen society and accelerate decarbonisation

 “Tanaka H2 Nexus”, one of Japan’s largest 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facilities, began operation on July 8, 2026, at the Tanaka Shonan Fuel Cell Power Plant in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The facility demonstrates Tanaka’s commitment to support the transition to a hydrogen society not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies, but also as a user of hydrogen energy. It serves as an operational platform for hydrogen utilization, enabling the company to gain practical operational expertise that will support future technology development and business initiatives. A ceremony commemorating the commencement of operations was also held on July 8, 2026.

The facility also demonstrates Tanaka’s commitment not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies but also as a user of hydrogen energy. Through the practical operation of the fuel cell power plant, Tanaka will accumulate knowledge and operational expertise related to hydrogen utilization and apply these insights to future technology development and business expansion, while supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen energy.

 

Since the 1980s, Tanaka has conducted research and development in the fields of fuel cells and hydrogen-related technologies based on its precious metal processing technologies. Currently, it has a world-leading supply record for precious metal catalysts for fuel cells. The company also develops and manufactures a broad range of technologies supporting the realization of a hydrogen society, including water electrolysis catalysts, gas reforming catalysts, precious metal-plated electrodes, and hydrogen permeable membranes.

The installation of this facility is intended to further advance Tanaka’s fuel cell technologies developed over decades, while leveraging the insights gained through the practical use of hydrogen energy and business growth, thereby contributing to the realization of a hydrogen society.

In recent years, the use of hydrogen energy has expanded worldwide as the global transition toward decarbonization continues to accelerate. In the manufacturing sector as well, expectations for hydrogen are growing as a means to achieve both lower CO₂ emissions and a stable energy supply.

Powered by pure hydrogen, the facility is capable of supplying approximately 34% of the electricity consumed by Tanaka’s nearby Shonan Plant when operating at maximum capacity, according to Tanaka’s estimates. The facility marks an important step toward Tanaka’s long-term goal of reducing CO₂ emissions while ensuring a stable energy supply through the practical use of hydrogen-powered electricity generation.