TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. has commenced operations of the 'TANAKA H2 Nexus,' one of Japan's largest 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facilities, at its Shonan Fuel Cell Power Plant in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The facility, operational since July 8, 2026, underscores TANAKA's commitment to advancing a hydrogen society by serving as both a material supplier and a user of hydrogen energy. The initiative aims to gather operational expertise and support future technology development and business expansion.
Since the 1980s, TANAKA has been involved in research and development related to fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. The company has a world-leading record in supplying precious metal catalysts for fuel cells and develops various technologies essential for a hydrogen society, such as water electrolysis catalysts and hydrogen permeable membranes.
As global efforts towards decarbonization accelerate, hydrogen energy is increasingly being seen as a viable solution for reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring stable energy supplies. The TANAKA H2 Nexus facility is capable of supplying approximately 34% of the electricity consumed by TANAKA's nearby Shonan Plant at full capacity, marking a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions.
The facility's launch was marked by a ceremony on July 8, attended by representatives from the City of Hiratsuka, the City of Kawasaki, and Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as partners such as Toshiba Corporation and FC-Cubic. The event highlighted TANAKA's ongoing efforts to advance hydrogen technology and its commitment to a sustainable future.
Koichiro Tanaka, Group CEO, emphasized the significance of the new facility, noting its role in demonstrating the value of hydrogen technologies through real-world applications. He reiterated TANAKA's dedication to contributing to a sustainable society and advancing hydrogen energy as a core part of their business strategy.
The facility features Toshiba's 'H2Rex™' Pure Hydrogen Fuel Cell System, consisting of five interconnected 100 kW units, and offers an overall efficiency of 95%. It is designed for durability with an operational life of approximately 80,000 hours and is equipped to function independently during power outages. The system also includes an optimized Energy Management System for improved response times.
TANAKA's Chief Operating Officer, Tomoyuki Tada, highlighted the company's shift from being merely a developer of hydrogen technologies to becoming an active user. This transition is expected to provide valuable insights into operational challenges and enhance collaboration with partners to further the hydrogen industry.
As TANAKA continues to leverage its decades of expertise in hydrogen-related technologies, the company remains focused on contributing to the realization of a hydrogen society and supporting global decarbonization efforts.
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