Key Facts
• Meiwa Industries launched a hydrogen storage system trial on June 23, 2025.
• Solar carports generate electricity to produce hydrogen via water electrolysis.
• Hydrogen is stored in tanks and converted to electricity using Panasonic fuel cells.
• Takasago Thermal Engineering handled system design and construction.
• The trial is conducted at Meiwa’s rental factory in Niigata City.
• The system aims to replace traditional batteries for energy storage.
• Excess solar power on weekends is stored as hydrogen for weekday factory use.
• The trial evaluates hydrogen’s potential to supplement factory energy needs.
• Hydrogen is gaining global attention as a next-generation energy source.
• Japan is advancing hydrogen strategies, including technology development and supply chain expansion.
Summary
Meiwa Industries, in collaboration with Takasago Thermal Engineering and Panasonic Electric Works, has initiated a trial operation of a hydrogen storage system powered by solar carports. The system generates hydrogen through water electrolysis using solar energy, stores it in tanks, and converts it back to electricity via Panasonic fuel cells. Conducted at Meiwa’s rental factory in Niigata City, the trial aims to assess hydrogen’s viability as an alternative to traditional batteries, particularly for utilizing surplus solar power during non-operational periods. This initiative aligns with global efforts to promote hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, with Japan actively advancing hydrogen strategies and infrastructure development.
