Establishment of Japan Hydrogen Forum (JH2F)
Dec 20, 2021
Hydrogen can be a carbon-free energy resource, has high energy-density for electricity generation, and is an affordable means of storing energy. Moreover, hydrogen can be converted into renewable natural gas through methanation, and into basic material resources, such as resin. Hydrogen is expected to be one of the major resources to decarbonize numerous sectors such as transportation, power generation, industrial applications, and energy for commercial and residential buildings.
In light of the fact that former Prime Minister Suga and President Biden have declared goals of carbon neutrality in year 2050, and are similarly collaborating under the U.S.-Japan Climate Partnership and Clean Hydrogen Partnership, we do hereby establish JH2F to support the decarbonization goals of US Federal, State and local governments.
To this end, JH2F will monitor and disseminate information on latest technological developments and best practices of Japanese firms; facilitate access to information on policy developments; provide information on state-of-the-art integrated hydrogen solutions; support the hosting of delegations from Federal, State and local governments; and provide business matching opportunities with US companies.
JH2F membership will largely be comprised of Japan-affiliated companies with hydrogen-related operations in the US. In order to facilitate collaboration with US counterparts, JH2F will establish sectoral sub-committees, such as hydrogen production, land transportation, port decarbonization, power generation, and finance.
On December 13th, the inaugural meeting was held and it was our great honor to receive congratulatory letters from high officials in the Japanese government and affiliated organizations, such as Mr. Tadashi Mogi, Director-General, Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Department, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; Mr. Takeshi Komoto, Minister, the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America; Mr. Kohei Nishigami, Consul, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles; Mr. Kenichi Kawamoto, the President of JETRO New York; Mr. Yuzo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative, NEDO Washington, D.C. Office; Mr. Kazuaki Osumi, Director General, NEDO Silicon Valley Office; Mr. Ryo Nasu, General Manager, JOGMEC Washington, D.C. Office; and Mr. Hiroaki Machii, Head of NEXI NY, Chief Representative of the Americas.
We also welcomed distinguished officials from the US side including Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California ; Dr. James Leiman, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce; Mr. R. Rex Parris, Mayor of Lancaster, California; Mr. Stephen Cheung, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of LAEDC and the President of the World Trade Center LA; and Mr. Keith Malone, California Fuel Cell Partnership.
The Japanese Government and affiliated governmental organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO); Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC); and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), will also support the collaboration between JH2F and governments and companies in the US.
<Member Companies>
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Choshu Industry Corporation of America, Inc.
Hitachi Zosen Inova
Iwatani Corporation of America
Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America
Mitsubishi Power Americas Inc.
Mitsui & Co. (USA) Inc.
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
PACECO CORP.
Sojitz
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Toshiba America Energy Systems Corporation
Toyota Motor North America
Toyota Tsusho America Inc.
Contact:
Ms. Yoshiko Tsuwaki
Secretariat of Japan Hydrogen Forum
Executive Director, JETRO Los Angeles
JETRO: Japan External Trade Organization
NEDO: New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
JOGMEC: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
NEXI: Nippon Export and Investment Insurance
LAEDC: Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
