EU, Japan to deepen cooperation on hydrogen investments, supply chain

A close cooperation between European Union (EU) and Japan will be essential for promoting renewable and low-carbon hydrogen globally and ensuring standards and regulation converge, said Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy at the EU-Japan High-Level Hydrogen Business Forum today. 

In the presence of Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito, both the parties have reiterated their strong common interest in supporting investment and deployment of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. 

The EU-Japan High-Level Hydrogen Business Forum is built on the agreement by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and EU President von der Leyen at the EU-Japan Summit last year as well as the Memorandum of Cooperation on hydrogen signed in 2022.

The Forum this year aimed to foster stronger ties and exchange innovative ideas between European and Japanese business leaders, and deliver on their mutual goal to rapidly develop and rollout hydrogen technologies and related sustainable energy solutions. 

The high-level meeting also discussed on industrial cooperation, finance and supporting measures, and research and development, with the participation of Japanese and EU energy industry top executives. The outcome of this Forum will be reported to both EU and Japanese leaders before the next Japan-EU Summit.

"EU-Japan energy relations are very good, and they are growing closer. We are aligned in our global efforts to combat climate change. We both have a comprehensive approach to hydrogen. Japan is clearly positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources. And so too is the EU", Simson noted. 

"We want to cooperate with Japan to develop high standard regulations and ensure a level playing field. This is important work in establishing a global market", she added. 

At the Forum, cooperation documents were signed to promote collaboration between various actors in the hydrogen field, including Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) and Hydrogen Europe; New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (CHJU); Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and H2GLOBAL; Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) and H2GLOBAL respectively. 

Japan is investing about ¥15 trillion ($107.67 billion) in the emerging hydrogen sector over the next 15 years since last year. The country targets 12 million tonnes of hydrogen supply by 2040, with targeted programs to boost electrolysis development, hydrogen storage batteries and large-scale tankers for hydrogen transport.