The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan is serious about developing low-cost, high-efficiency technologies to convert electricity generated by renewable energy sources into hydrogen. Its aim is to accelerate proliferation of renewable energy. Starting fiscal 2013, METI will support research and development conducted by universities and private companies. In the budget request for fiscal 2013, the ministry intends to ask for 2 billion to 3 billion yen for the first fiscal year.
Solar photovoltaic power generation and wind power generation are susceptible to weather conditions and therefore unstable in output. Some of the obstacles in the proliferation of wind power generation in Japan are that suitable areas are limited and often distant from the areas of power demand. The former issue may be overcome to some extent by the use of storage batteries and wide-area grid operation, and the latter by installation of new transmission and transformation facilities for wind power. Still, these solutions are costly and it will take long term to develop such transmission and transformation facilities.
METI therefore aims to convert renewable energy into hydrogen, which is easier to transport and can be used in areas distant from power stations even without transmission lines.
