New High-Efficiency Hydrogen Generation Technology

DENSO Corporation (Denso) and JERA Inc. (JERA) will develop high-efficiency hydrogen generation technology that combines Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) with waste heat utilization and conduct joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station.

For years, DENSO has pursued initiatives in the three areas of manufacturing, mobility products, and energy use to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. The company is applying technology cultivated through the development of automotive systems to the development of the SOEC, which has the advantage of high stability and efficiency.

JERA, under its JERA Zero CO₂ Emissions 2050 objective, is taking on the challenge of building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions from its domestic and international operations by 2050. In thermal power, it is moving forward with the introduction of greener fuels as it pursues zero-emissions thermal that emits no CO₂ during power generation.

The two companies will initiate a joint development focusing on high-efficiency hydrogen production technology utilizing waste heat. Beginning in fiscal year 2025, DENSO and JERA will conduct a joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station. Based on the outcomes of the 200kW joint demonstration test, the companies will aim to scale up the technology to a multi-thousand kW level by integrating multiple SOECs.

Through this joint development and joint demonstration testing, the companies will work toward the early establishment of a global supply chain for green hydrogen and ammonia and contribute to finding solutions for global decarbonization and energy issues.