Fuji Electric and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to study methanol-derived hydrogen fuel cell system
In Japan, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd (FE) and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC) have announced that they will jointly study the development and demonstration of a power generation system integrating fuel cells and hydrogen generators using methanol as feedstock. The initiative aims to leverage both companies' strengths to develop hydrogen fuel cells for a variety of facilities and regions.
Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) are expected to contribute to green transformation as a clean method of power generation – electricity generation through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen.
However, current challenges include the costs and commercial readiness of technologies for storing and transporting hydrogen.
As a hydrogen carrier, methanol is well-suited for generating hydrogen on demand at the point of consumption.
Methanol remains a liquid at room temperature and pressure; thus is easy to store and transport, and it can be used with existing infrastructure.
Combine technology expertise
The joint study will evaluate the feasibility of commercializing a fuel cell system that uses hydrogen produced by the methanol reforming process.
The goal is to combine the two companies’ technologies and expertise to create a fuel cell system that efficiently and cost-effectively generates electricity using methanol-derived hydrogen.
FE began developing industrial fuel cells in 1998. Since then, FE has delivered over 100 units in Japan and abroad, including government offices, hospitals, and universities, and has more than 20 years of operational experience with its fuel cell systems.
Leveraging its expertise in fuel cell manufacturing and power electronics technologies, FE is also developing a hydrogen fuel cell system that achieves low cost and high responsiveness by utilizing hydrogen fuel cell modules installed in Toyota Motor Corporation’s fuel cell vehicle, “MIRAI.”
MGC is a world-leading methanol manufacturer engaged in production, sales, and application development.
In recent years, MGC has been promoting “Carbopath” as an environmental recycling platform for producing energy and materials using methanol derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) and biomass.
For over 40 years, MGC has developed methanol-reforming technology to convert methanol into hydrogen.
To accelerate the use of hydrogen produced through the methanol-reforming process, MGC is currently studying the demonstration of unit-type hydrogen generators in Japan through a strategic alliance with Methanol Reformer S.L. and Element 1 Corporation.
Demonstration in 2027
The current study aims to begin the demonstration by March 2027. The envisioned system will use green methanol produced with MGC’s “Carbopath” environmental recycling platform, making it possible to offset the CO2 generated during the methanol reforming process.
The system is expected to serve as a clean energy source for backup power during outages at data centers, manufacturing plants, and other facilities, or for a power generation system to reduce peak loads.
Through these initiatives, FE and MGC will proactively develop markets for practical applications of the system, aiming to deliver clean energy supplies to a variety of regions and facilities.
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