The strategic partnership aims to integrate fuel cell and construction technologies for hydrogen production in Japan and international markets. The objective is to create the world’s smallest electrolysis system with superior hydrogen production efficiency.
Chiyoda Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation have agreed to collaboratively work on developing a large-scale electrolysis system through a strategic partnership underpinned by a basic cooperation agreement they have just signed.
This initiative aims to support the Japanese government’s targets for introducing electrolysis technology both domestically and globally, in line with the government’s comprehensive hydrogen strategy.
By leveraging Toyota’s expertise in fuel cell technology and Chiyoda’s capabilities in process plant design and large-scale construction, the partnership intends to create a competitive large-scale electrolysis system. This system is designed to meet the growing demands of the hydrogen production market, both within Japan and internationally, with a focus on achieving high hydrogen production efficiency in the smallest possible size globally.
The collaboration envisions the development of an electrolysis system that not only boasts superior hydrogen production efficiency but also occupies the smallest footprint worldwide. To cater to various customer needs, such as hydrogen consumption levels and spatial constraints at plants, the development will utilize 5 MW-class units as the basic module (measuring 2.5 m x 6 m and capable of producing approximately 100 kg of hydrogen per hour). These modules can be combined to offer a standardized package for constructing extensive electrolysis systems.
The advantages of this innovative equipment include its compact footprint—about half that of existing systems—along with ease of maintenance, streamlined shipping, reduced construction time on-site, and lower costs for civil engineering and construction. By merging Toyota’s specialized knowledge in industrial products with Chiyoda’s expertise in plant engineering, the partnership aims to deliver electrolysis systems that are cost-effective, have higher production efficiency, and exhibit enhanced quality stability, thereby facilitating the production of green hydrogen.
Following this agreement, the rollout of an electrolysis system at Toyota’s Hydrogen Park within the Honsha Plant is set to commence in FY2025. Plans include scaling the technology to a 10 MW class for further verification and development activities, with updates to be shared as progress is made.