Suntory Group Expands Hydrogen Usage in Japan Amid Scrapped UK Plant Plans
Key Ideas
  • Suntory Group introduces its 'Suntory Green Hydrogen Vision' to boost hydrogen usage in Japan, involving a Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas System and hydrogen boilers for whisky distillation.
  • Despite abandoning a hydrogen plant project in Scotland due to funding issues, Suntory reaffirms commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Japan's Basic Hydrogen Strategy supports green energy efforts, leading to partnerships to establish hydrogen supply networks and promote hydrogen usage.
  • Future plans include producing and selling hydrogen to external customers, exploring its use in more sites across Japan and abroad, and aiming for net-zero emissions in the company's value chain by 2050.
Suntory Group, a Tokyo-based multinational, is making significant strides in expanding its use of hydrogen in Japan. Despite cancelling plans for a hydrogen plant in the UK, the company unveiled its 'Suntory Green Hydrogen Vision' to increase hydrogen utilization. This initiative includes deploying a Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas System by 2025 and integrating hydrogen boilers for water sterilization and whisky distillation at its Hakushu Distillery. While facing criticism in Scotland for its scrapped hydrogen plant project, Suntory remains committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Japan's proactive approach towards hydrogen as a key green energy source, as outlined in the Basic Hydrogen Strategy since 2017, has encouraged public-private partnerships to develop hydrogen supply networks. Suntory plans to produce and sell hydrogen to external customers from 2027, collaborating with Tomoe Shokai Co. Ltd for local distribution. Future endeavors involve exploring hydrogen usage in various sites in Japan and overseas, such as implementing hydrogen as a heat source at the Chita Distillery and considering its introduction at the Suntory Takasago Plant. Overall, Suntory Group's hydrogen utilization strategy aligns with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, showcasing a positive outlook on hydrogen's role in the company's sustainable practices and future operations.
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