Gov. Koike Announces Plans for ‘Hydrogen Exchange’ at COP 28; Looks to Boost Adoption of Energy Source
16:46 JST, December 2, 2023
DUBAI — Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike delivered a speech unveiling plans to establish a “hydrogen exchange” facilitating the buying and selling of hydrogen at a session of the COP28 currently taking place in the United Arab Emirates on Friday. If realized, this initiative would mark the first of its kind within Japan.
Hydrogen is highly-anticipated as an energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion. It is already being used as a fuel in some vehicles in Japan, with ongoing research into its applications in shipping and aviation.
Currently, intercompany transactions dominate the hydrogen market, requiring parties interested in buying or selling hydrogen to seek counterparts independently. The higher production costs compared to fossil fuels such as oil and coal have hindered widespread adoption.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to establish a specialized hydrogen exchange akin to the stock market — acting as an intermediary between sellers indicating the lowest selling price and buyers indicating the highest buying price. The intention is to enhance transparency in transactions, increase trade volume, and promote widespread adoption. It is anticipated that the world’s first hydrogen exchange will be established in Germany next year, and Tokyo aims to leverage the expertise gained from Germany in pursuit of opening its own. Specific details, including the timeline for its establishment, remain undetermined.
Koike, in a post-speech interview with the press, emphasized the significance of the initiative, saying, “Trade in hydrogen has been progressing slowly until now. This initiative aims to unearth demand and supply, serving as a means to activate hydrogen utilization.”
"Science & Nature" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Solar Panels Around Southern Japan’s Mt. Aso Stoke Fears Over Landscape; Local Govt Scrambles to Preserve Nature
-
Govt, U.S. Sign Deal to Send 2 Japanese Astronauts to the Moon; Toyota to Contribute to Artemis Program with Lunar Cruiser
-
Studying Dinosaurs for Humanity’s Future
-
Gigantic Ichthyosaur’s Fossils Found by British Girl, Father
-
Jellyfish Invade Venezuelan Waters, Worrying Fishermen
JN ACCESS RANKING
- M6.0 Earthquake Hits Japan’s Tohoku Region; Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi Prefectures Observe 4 on Japanese Scale With No Risk of Tsunami
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’