Hitachi Zosen announced that it has developed the largest solid polymer-type hydrogen generator in Japan. The generator uses water electrolysis to produce 200 Nm3/h of hydrogen, and can store surplus electricity at a megawatt-class power generation facility. Hitachi Zosen will launch its demonstration experiments later this year and aims to start sales in FY2019. Hitachi Zosen has been engaged in the development of hydrogen generators since 1974, when it joined the Sunshine Project funded by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI, now METI, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry).

Hydrogen generators electrolyze water to produce high purity hydrogen that can be stored by using the excessive power generated by renewable energies such as wind and solar. To enlarge its electrolytic cell, which is the heart of the generator, Hitachi Zosen successfully combined electrolytic technology with filter press technology. In addition, the generator is cheap to install, since it is a portable-type generator that can be stored in a 40-ft container.