In the Frozen Regions Lies Sizzling Hydrogen! Advancing the Degrasing Crusade in the North
In the heart of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival has taken a significant step towards sustainability. This year, the festival introduced the GX Decarbonization Area, a space dedicated to showcasing eco-friendly technologies, with clean energy sources like hydrogen and solar taking centre stage.
One of the most noticeable changes was the use of hydrogen-powered generators, supplying electricity to festival venues, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This shift was made possible by the new hydrogen station in Sapporo, the second location in Hokkaido after one in Shikaoi. Two hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, a Mirai and a FCEV Crown, were also on display, supplying electricity for the rest area at the festival.
The inspiration for this hydrogen-powered innovation came from the experiences of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake. Local company, Tsuchiya Manufacturing, best known for manufacturing milk storage tanks for dairy farmers, took on a new challenge. They developed a hydrogen stove for the festival's rest area, and a hydrogen-powered vending machine, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen in various applications.
Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto took visitors on a tour of the GX area, explaining the goal of achieving a decarbonized society as quickly as possible. The hydrogen station in Sapporo, which incorporates special measures to handle the cold climate, is a testament to this commitment.
President Tsuchiya of Tsuchiya Manufacturing, a firm believer in the phrase "long-established venture," expressed his enthusiasm for Hokkaido leading the way in food and energy. His company's hydrogen stove, which produced steam and humidified the room at the festival, was a shining example of this vision.
As the Sapporo Snow Festival continues to attract over 2 million visitors each year, the circle of like-minded partners working towards using hydrogen is growing. While specific examples of hydrogen use at the festival are not yet extensive, the potential for hydrogen-powered generators, vehicles, and heating systems is clear.
Looking ahead, Japan's commitment to sustainable technologies is reflected in the 2025 Osaka Expo, which plans to incorporate hydrogen-powered ships as part of its eco-friendly transportation options. As the snow melts and the festival ends, the impact of hydrogen at the Sapporo Snow Festival is a promising sign of things to come in Japan's pursuit of a greener future.
- In the realm of environmental science, hydrogen-powered generators are being employed at the Sapporo Snow Festival to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, showcasing the potential of clean energy sources like hydrogen in the industry.
- The GX Decarbonization Area at the Sapporo Snow Festival, dedicated to eco-friendly technologies, is a testament to the financial investment and technological advancements in the energy sector aimed at addressing climate-change.
- The innovation of hydrogen-powered devices, such as stoves and vending machines, by Tsuchiya Manufacturing, demonstrates the role of the private sector in the application of science and technology for a greener environment and decarbonized society.
