TANAKA Commissions 500 kW Pure Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Plant in Japan

TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies, an industrial precious metals company of TANAKA, has announced that ‘TANAKA H2 Nexus’, 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facilities of Japan, began operation on July 8, 2026, at the TANAKA Shonan Fuel Cell Power Plant in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The facility demonstrates TANAKA's aim to support the transition to a hydrogen society not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies, but also as a user of hydrogen energy. It serves as an operational platform for hydrogen utilisation, enabling the company to gain practical operational expertise that will support future technology development and business initiatives. A ceremony commemorating the commencement of operations was also held on July 8, 2026.

The facility also demonstrates TANAKA's commitment not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies but also as a user of hydrogen energy. Through the practical operation of the fuel cell power plant, the company will accumulate knowledge and operational expertise related to hydrogen utilisation and apply these insights to future technology development and business expansion, while supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen energy.

In recent years, the use of hydrogen energy has expanded worldwide as the global transition toward decarbonisation continues to accelerate. In the manufacturing sector as well, expectations for hydrogen are growing as a means to achieve both lower CO2 emissions and a stable energy supply.

Powered by pure hydrogen, the facility is capable of supplying approximately 34 percent of the electricity consumed by TANAKA’s nearby Shonan Plant when operating at maximum capacity, according to TANAKA’s estimates. The facility marks an important step toward TANAKA’s long- term goal of reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring a stable energy supply through the practical use of hydrogen-powered electricity generation.