TANAKA to Install 500 kW Fuel Cell System to Promote the Use of Hydrogen Energy at Production Plants

TOKYO, Mar 27, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) announces that TANAKA Precious Metals will install a stationary pure hydrogen fuel cell system with a maximum generating capacity of 500 kilowatts (kW), one of the largest in private-sector use in Japan, at the Shonan Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture, a key recycling business site for TANAKA. It has decided to install an H2Rex™ pure hydrogen fuel cell system manufactured by Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation to optimally control generating efficiency. Operation is scheduled to commence in 2026.

Rendering of the system to be installed at TANAKA; Photo courtesy of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions

Initiatives for Achieving Carbon Neutrality

TANAKA is currently carrying out Operation Polaris*2 with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve at least a 50% reduction of CO₂ emissions by 2030 (compared to 2013 levels), proactive steps are being taken, including enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing green energy solutions, and pursuing additional measures aimed at emission reduction. The recent decision to use hydrogen energy is a part of these efforts.

Pure Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems

The pure hydrogen fuel cell system to be introduced generates electricity by making use of a chemical reaction that combines hydrogen and oxygen, the reverse of the electrolysis of water. Since the system directly uses hydrogen to generate electricity, unlike household fuel cell systems that extract hydrogen from city gas and other sources, it is able to generate electricity with high efficiency and zero CO₂ emissions. Additionally, in the event of a disaster, the system can be used to supply backup electric power without interruption. Such systems also give consideration to the local environment, due to their low noise and vibration.

Effects of Introduction

With the introduction of this system, 25% of the electricity used at the Shonan Plant will be switched to power generated by the fuel cell system, with an expected reduction in CO₂ emissions of 1,979 tons annually (this and subsequent figures are estimates by TANAKA). This is equivalent to 32% of the plant’s CO₂ emissions reduction target for 2030.

Participation in Councils for Achieving Carbon Neutrality

TANAKA will continue to expand its use of hydrogen energy even after the introduction of the system. In conjunction with this, hydrogen demand will increase, and TANAKA has high hopes for Kawasaki City*3, an advanced hydrogen city in Kanagawa Prefecture, and seeks to build a hydrogen supply base in the waterfront area. TANAKA joined the Kawasaki Carbon Neutral Industrial Complex Formation Promotion Council and the Kawasaki Carbon Neutral Port Formation Promotion Council, two public-private collaborative bodies made up of companies and other organizations in agreement with the city’s vision and strategies that were established to investigate and promote measures for achieving carbon neutrality. By joining the councils, TANAKA hopes to deepen collaboration with the city and other member companies.

Installation Plan and Overview of System

TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. Shonan Plant
Location: Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Scheduled start of operation: April 2026
Capital investment: 2.0 billion yen

The TANAKA Shonan Plant

H2Rex™ 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell system (five 100-kW units) made by Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation

System Features

95% of total efficiency, approx. 80,000-hour of durability by design
Heavy-duty salt resistance specifications suitable for installation even in areas susceptible to salt damage, such as ports
Autonomous operating function that can maintain operation even during blackouts
Optimal EMS that increases follow-up speed in load-following power generation by five times compared to conventional systems

Specifications

Rated output: 500 kW, three-phase, three-wire AC 210 / 220 V
Total efficiency: 95% (low heating value (LHV) basis)
Dimensions: W 2.8 m × D 2.0 m × H 1.9 m (per unit)

A Leading Manufacturer of Fuel Cell Electrode Catalysts

TANAKA has been continuously developing electrode catalysts for fuel cells using primarily platinum since the 1980s and currently supplies electrode catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) globally. The FC Catalyst Development Center, located on the grounds of the Shonan Plant, will manufacture and recycle catalysts using hydrogen energy, enabling continuous, stable supplies even during times of disaster. TANAKA will continue further research on precious metal catalysts with the aim of contributing to the widespread adoption of fuel cells and the development of a hydrogen society.

*1: As of March 2024, according to research by Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions

*2: Operation Polaris is a project carried out per the TANAKA Precious Metals Statement on Carbon Neutrality. With Polaris (the North Star) as a symbol of a fixed guide, the project title incorporates the sense of making steady progress toward achieving its CO₂ reduction targets.

*3: Kawasaki City (Kanagawa Prefecture) established the Kawasaki Hydrogen Strategy for the Realization of a Hydrogen Society in 2015 and can be said to be an advanced hydrogen city that has carried out various demonstration projects in cooperation with involved companies.

Council website: https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/590/page/0000139903.html

About TANAKA Precious Metals

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA Precious Metals has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volumes of precious metals handled. Over the course of many years, TANAKA has not only manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry but also provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and around the world collaborate and cooperate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,355 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, was 611 billion yen.

Global industrial business website
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/

Product inquiries
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/

Press inquiries
TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Press Release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20240327EN.pdf