FCCJ Establishes Scenario for FCVs in Japan

Leading automakers in and outside Japan and Japanese energy companies have agreed on a scenario which sees commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen stations beginning in Japan in 2015.

Beginning in late 2006, the Fuel Cell Commercialisation Conference of Japan (FCCJ), under the leadership of major member companies on its board of directors, held repeated consultations on scenarios for full-scale commercialisation of FCVs and development of hydrogen stations. These consultations led to the agreement on a
timeline and the requirements for commercialisation of FCVs and hydrogen stations starting in 2015.

Based on FCCJ suggestions, demonstration tests with approximately 120 fuel cell vehicles have been conducted in Japan as part of the Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project, which commenced in 2002. In addition, there are twelve hydrogen stations already in operation focused in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The agreed-on scenario envisions FCVs beginning to be in daily use by general users around 2015. Automakers and energy suppliers will further accelerate their initiatives for durability and reliability improvement and cost reduction on vehicles and hydrogen stations, respectively.

Commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles requires a supporting hydrogen refueling infrastructure. FCCJ says it will continue working with the government to review the standards and organisations necessary for increasing the number of hydrogen stations to the point where they equal the current number of gas stations, assess the
business feasibility of FCVs based on their assumed commercialisation, and discuss items which require government support.

The FCCJ said it will develop a set of industrial standards by 2010 for hydrogen fueling stations. Specifications will include the pressure of the stored hydrogen and the method used to fill cars with the fuel at the station. Test operation of the stations will begin in 2010.

The scenario considers it very important to evaluate, from a socio-economic viewpoint, initiatives for identifying general user convenience, environmental and scientific advantages as well as social acceptability of hydrogen energy, and the roles of local communities including local governments.

FCCJ will begin discussions with the central and local governments and related agencies on the need for and details of a large scale pilot project which may be initiated around 2011 following the completion of the current Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project.

Source: Fuel Cell Today