Hydrogen Storage Alloy―A Material That Stores and Releases Hydrogen

Hydrogen Storage Alloy―A Material That Stores and Releases Hydrogen

Hydrogen storage alloys are important materials that can absorb and release hydrogen, making them essential for energy storage and fuel cells. Recently, they have gained attention in the clean energy sector, and they are widely used in automobiles, industrial equipment, and energy supply systems. Below are specific companies and product applications.

1. Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota manufactures fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen storage alloys at its Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The vehicle "MIRAI" uses fuel cell technology and can travel up to 650 km on a single charge. In 2020, Toyota exceeded a cumulative sales total of 11,000 units for this technology, solidifying its leadership in achieving a hydrogen energy society.

2. Panasonic Corporation
At its plant in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture, Panasonic uses hydrogen storage alloys in the production of home fuel cells known as "Ene-Farm." This system produces both electricity and heat using hydrogen, and by 2021, it had been installed in about 3 million households. Panasonic's production capacity reaches 500,000 units per year, dominating the household energy supply market.

3. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed industrial fuel cells using hydrogen storage alloys at its Kobe Shipyard in Kobe City. In 2022, a large-scale industrial fuel cell system was introduced in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, switching the factory's energy supply to a hydrogen-based system, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 3,500 tons annually. This technology contributes to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the heavy industry sector.

4. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda manufactures fuel cell bikes equipped with hydrogen storage alloys at its Sayama plant in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture. The "Honda Clarity" fuel cell bike can travel approximately 200 km on a single charge. By 2023, cumulative sales for the new model reached 15,000 units, reinforcing Honda's commitment to clean mobility.

These companies, through the use of hydrogen storage alloys, are promoting the sustainable use of energy, with further technological developments expected in the future.