Asahi Kasei Starts Construction of Alkaline Water Electrolysis Pilot Test Plant for Hydrogen Production in Kawasaki, Japan

Rhea-AI Summary

Asahi Kasei has begun constructing an alkaline water electrolysis pilot test plant for hydrogen production at its Kawasaki Works in Japan, expected to commence operations in early 2024. This project, supported by Japan's NEDO, aims to enhance the efficiency of electrolysis equipment to adapt to renewable energy power fluctuations. With a focus on hydrogen as a strategic growth area, Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize larger alkaline water electrolysis systems by 2025, building on its previous trials since 2020.

Positive

• Initiation of a pilot test plant expected to enhance hydrogen production efficiency.
• Supported by Japan's Green Innovation Fund, ensuring financial backing.
• Plans to commercialize larger-scale systems by 2025, indicating growth potential.

Negative

• None.

• Asahi Kasei plans construction of new alkaline water electrolysis test plant for hydrogen production by early 2024.
• Tests to be conducted around responsiveness to power fluctuation of renewable energy sources and module malfunctions during operation, which facilitates verification and improves apparatus design, operation methods and control technology.
• Asahi Kasei has been conducting trials around hydrogen production with NEDO since 2020.

NEW YORK, DÜSSELDORF, Germany & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational company, has started the construction of an alkaline water electrolysis pilot test plant for hydrogen production at its Kawasaki Works location in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Construction and operation of the plant is supported by the “Green Innovation Fund” of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the end of October 2022. Start of operation is targeted in early 2024 following construction work, equipment installation and trial operation.

(Photo: Business Wire)

For the sustainable large-scale production of hydrogen, it is essential for electrolysis equipment to be compatible with fluctuating electrical power input generated from renewable energy sources, like wind or solar power. To solve this issue, Asahi Kasei will introduce a pilot plant comprising several “Aqualizer™” electrolyzer modules to perform various trial operations regarding responsiveness to power fluctuation and long-term durability in Kawasaki.

The system features a changeable configuration with 1–4 water electrolysis modules of 0.8 MW. Utilizing multiple modules, the behavior of equipment under various conditions can be replicated, such as the case where one module malfunctions during operation, or the case of low output operation at night. This facilitates verification and improvement of apparatus design, operation methods and control technology.

Furthermore, the “Aqualizer™” electrolyzer is designed to replicate fluctuating output of renewable energy. Since renewable sources provide unstable power output, water electrolysis equipment needs to be highly responsive to fluctuations. As the equipment is designed to simulate such fluctuations, it enables verification of compatibility with renewable energy and coordination with the power system.

Hydrogen-related business defined as strategic growth field

Hydrogen-related business is one of Asahi Kasei's "10 Growth Gears" (GG10), businesses to lead the next phase of growth in fields of focus as part of its medium-term management plan 2024 focused on the theme “Be a Trailblazer.” Asahi Kasei is currently advancing its hydrogen-related business centered on the alkaline water electrolysis system for hydrogen production developed utilizing its experience and expertise gained with the membrane process for chlor-alkali electrolysis.

Asahi Kasei installed a large 10 MW-scale alkaline water electrolysis system at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) as part of a project led by Japan’s NEDO and performed several trial operations since 2020. Based on the technological achievements obtained at FH2R, Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize a larger-scale alkaline water electrolysis system comprising multiple 10 MW modules by 2025.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 46,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Materials sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221109005112/en/

Company North America:

Asahi Kasei America, Inc.

Jon Todd

39475 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Suite 201, Novi, MI 48377

E-mail: AKA-info@ak-america.com

Company Europe:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

Fringsstrasse 17, 40221 Düsseldorf

Tel: +49 (0) 211-3399-2058

E-mail: sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu

Source: Asahi Kasei

FAQ

What is the purpose of Asahi Kasei's new pilot test plant for hydrogen production?

The pilot test plant aims to enhance the efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis systems for hydrogen production, particularly in adapting to power fluctuations from renewable energy sources.

When is the operation of Asahi Kasei's hydrogen production plant expected to start?

The operation of the new hydrogen production plant is targeted to begin in early 2024.

What support has Asahi Kasei received for its hydrogen production initiatives?

Asahi Kasei's hydrogen production initiatives are supported by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) through the Green Innovation Fund.

What significant trials has Asahi Kasei conducted prior to this plant construction?

Asahi Kasei has been conducting hydrogen production trials with NEDO since 2020, including operating a large 10 MW-scale alkaline water electrolysis system at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field.

What is Asahi Kasei's strategic focus regarding its hydrogen-related business?

Hydrogen-related business is a key focus within Asahi Kasei's medium-term management plan, identified as one of its '10 Growth Gears'.