Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Service Vehicles in Fukuoka City, Collaboration Between Fukuoka City and Toyota for a Sustainable Society
In the heart of Japan, Fukuoka City is leading the charge towards a hydrogen society. The city's commitment to this initiative is evident in its ongoing projects and strategic collaborations.
The Fukuoka Hydrogen Green Growth Strategy Council, a council promoting hydrogen-related projects involving companies, local governments, and financial institutions, is at the forefront of these efforts. With over two decades of expertise, the council is working tirelessly to develop hydrogen infrastructure and applications across the city[1].
One of the most tangible outcomes of this initiative is the deployment of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) garbage trucks and ambulances in municipal services. These vehicles, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, are reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner public services. The FCEV garbage trucks, designed for night-time waste collection, are a testament to the city’s commitment to employing hydrogen technologies in essential municipal operations[2].
Fukuoka Toyota, a key player in these developments, recently unveiled a new Crown Sedan FCEV. This model marks a significant step in introducing hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles in the region, expanding hydrogen mobility options beyond commercial and emergency vehicles to personal and executive transportation[3]. The event, the Hydrogen Energy and Mobility Summit, hosted at THE CROWN Fukuoka Tenjin, showcased new advancements in hydrogen technology.
The summit also highlighted the collaboration between local government and industry. For instance, Fukuoka City and Toyota are working together toward a hydrogen society, with the city being committed to the Hydrogen Leader City Project[4]. Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that a Crown sedan has been converted into an FCEV with a special meaning behind it[5].
The event featured the appearance of SUGIZO, guitarist and violinist for popular rock bands such as Luna Sea and X Japan. SUGIZO, a user of the first generation Mirai, discussed the possibilities of hydrogen, demonstrating potential interest and support for hydrogen technology in the music industry[6].
These efforts collectively support Fukuoka’s vision of a decarbonized, sustainable hydrogen society, positioning the city as a leader in Japan’s hydrogen economy transition[1]. On March 8, Fukuoka City announced the debut of an FCEV garbage truck and the testing of an FCEV ambulance, further solidifying its commitment to this vision[7].
In 2015, Fukuoka City made headlines by installing the world's first station to supply hydrogen made from sewage, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to sustainable hydrogen solutions[8]. As the city continues to move forward with its hydrogen society initiative, it is clear that Fukuoka is at the forefront of Japan's transition towards a cleaner, greener future.
References:
[1] Fukuoka City (2022) Fukuoka Hydrogen Green Growth Strategy Council. Retrieved from https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kotsu/hydrogen/strategy/
[2] Fukuoka City (2022) FCEV Garbage Trucks and Ambulances. Retrieved from https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kotsu/hydrogen/fcev/
[3] Fukuoka Toyota (2022) New Crown Sedan FCEV. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/36344793.html
[4] Fukuoka City (2022) Hydrogen Leader City Project. Retrieved from https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kotsu/hydrogen/leader/
[5] Toyota (2022) Chairman Akio Toyoda's Statement. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/36344793.html
[6] Fukuoka Toyota (2022) SUGIZO's Appearance. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/36344793.html
[7] Fukuoka City (2022) FCEV Garbage Truck and Ambulance Debut. Retrieved from https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kotsu/hydrogen/fcev/
[8] Fukuoka City (2015) World's First Hydrogen Made from Sewage. Retrieved from https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kotsu/hydrogen/sewage/
- As Fukuoka City continues to invest in hydrogen technologies, the development of the environmental-science sector is expected to expand, especially in the fields of climate-change mitigation and clean energy.
- The collaboration between Fukuoka City and various industry partners, such as Fukuoka Toyota, not only demonstrates a commitment to a decarbonized society but also highlights the role of technology in driving this transformation, promoting a sustainable hydrogen economy.
