Toshiba initiates pilot for independent energy supply system H2One in Japan

Toshiba has started pilot for its independent energy supply system H2One at Kawasaki Marien public facility and Higashi-Ogishima-Naka Park in Kawasaki, Japan in co-ordination with the city authorities.

The system developed by the Japanese technology firm features a combination of photovoltaic installations, storage batteries, hydrogen-producing water electrolysis equipment, hydrogen and water tanks, and fuel cells.

H2One incorporates sunlight and water, both renewable sources, and derives hydrogen from those, to be used as fuel for energy production.

The system utilises the energy supplied through photovoltaic installations to electrolyse water and derive hydrogen from it, which is stored in tanks to be used later in fuel cells for power supply.

Besides producing power, the system also offers hot water as residue.

The locations where the systems have been installed are in close proximity to the Kawasaki Port, which is one of the major evacuation areas specified in the country for emergencies. With H2One installations in the region, the area is likely to have power and hot water as resources during crisis.

The innovation can offer one-week’s power and water supply to around 300 evacuees, Toshiba said.

Transportation of the system to disaster affected areas is also easy since it comes in a container.

The Japanese firm has also put in hydrogen energy management functions in H2One to assist the local power supply during peak shifts under normal conditions. It is likely to reduce the high demand of energy with optimised control of hydrogen production, power generation and storage.