Development of Technologies for Hydrogen Refueling Stations

To achieve the world's fastest proliferation of Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs), research and development and other efforts will be conducted to address challenges for the phase of widespread use, with focusing on ultra-high-pressure hydrogen technologies related to Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS). This involves the development of technologies that safely and inexpensively store and transport hydrogen at pressures approximately a thousand times that of atmospheric pressure. The efforts aim to facilitate regulatory revisions based on the Implementation Plan for Regulatory Reform, and reduce the construction and operational costs of hydrogen stations. Additionally, to ensure the international competitiveness of FCVs, research and development activities will be carried out to harmonize with international standards and achieve international standardization. This includes studying methods for quality management of hydrogen to be stored in onboard high-pressure hydrogen tanks. Specific research and development items include the following items.

R&D Item [1]
Development of technology related to optimization of domestic regulations

Research and development will be conducted on items newly listed in the Implementation Plan for Regulatory Reform that require research and development. This includes research and development on items such as hydrogen characteristics judgment criteria for metal materials and facility configuration considerations based on risk assessments.

R&D Item [2]
Development of technology related to cost reductions for hydrogen refueling stations

With a view toward the full-scale proliferation and self-sufficiency of hydrogen stations beyond 2025, NEDO will establish technologies contributing to the reduction of construction and operational costs for hydrogen stations. This includes the development of technologies such as high-pressure hydrogen-compatible polymer technology, electrochemical pump systems, and the consideration of equipment packaging.

R&D Item [3]
Research and development related to international expansion and standardization

NEDO will monitor international harmonization, overseas policies, markets, and research and development trends related to ISO, IEA (International Energy Agency), IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy), and international standards such as HFCV-GTR (Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles).