VISION01 An Energy-saving Society

YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Hydrogen fueled marine engines and MHFS development selected for the NEDO Green Innovation Fund Project to build zero-emission ships.

Challenges

Amid globally growing momentum for decarbonization, further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has become an urgent issue in international shipping domain. In October 2021, the Japanese government and the shipping industry announced a goal of net zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050, and the International Maritime Organization, which adopted the Initial Strategy in 2018 to reduce the emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050, plans to revise and further strengthen this strategy in 2023.

• Reference: Toward Achieving Net Zero GHG Emissions from International Shipping by 2050, Shipping Zero Emission Project

Solution

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, NEDO launched this project to develop next-generation marine vessels in January 2022, to build zero-emission ships. Yanmar Power Technology joined force with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Engine Corporation, J-ENG, to develop the hydrogen fueled marine engine and MHFS^*1 and is playing an active role in the project.

The three companies are concurrently engaged in the initiatives for hydrogen fueled marine engines, with Kawasaki developing medium-speed 4-stroke engines, Yanmar developing medium- and high-speed 4-stroke engines^*2, and J-ENG developing low-speed 2-stroke engines. We will cover the complete engine lineup that can be used to meet a wide range of needs by 2026, and plan to conduct a pilot program on ships in operation with shipping companies and shipyards, which will bring benefits to society and the economy.

Through joint investment in a newly established company, HyEng and with MHFS developed at Kawasaki, the three companies are working together to build a hydrogen-fueled propulsion system by developing common technical elements such as basic combustion analysis, materials and sealing surfaces that meet ship classification regulations, and sharing testing facilities.

• *1 MHFS: Marine Hydrogen Fuel System: hydrogen fuel marine tanks and fuel supply system
• *2 YPT is planning on developing a dual-fuel hydrogen medium-speed engine first, followed by a hydrogen-fueled high-speed engine.

Swipe to see the right side of this picture.

• Source: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Technology, Japan Engine Corporation

Provided value

Through hydrogen-fueled engines, we will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in a wide range of applications, with ocean-going vessels as the main focus, and also domestic vessels. In addition, we will provide a hydrogen-fueled engine system that ensures the necessary redundancy for ships, saves space in the engine room, and satisfies NO_X and SO_X regulations. The project will also help the revitalization of the domestic maritime industry.

YANMAR ENERGY SYSTEM CO., LTD.

Contributing to the realization of a carbon-free society 100% hydrogen-fueled cogeneration manufactured by German company 2G to be sold in Japan and overseas by the end of FY 2022.

Challenges

The pursuit of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential to achieve a carbon-free society. Wind power generation and solar power generation are also spreading in Japan, but the fluctuation of energy production remains a challenge, due to the characteristics of dealing with nature. Therefore, expectations are high for hydrogen as a new energy source. Hydrogen energy can be produced from various energy sources, including renewable energy, and has the advantage of not emitting CO₂ when used. Businesses are increasingly focusing on this as a medium- to long-term key to achieving carbon neutrality.

Solution

Yanmar Energy System has concluded a sales agreement for the 100% hydrogen-fueled cogeneration system manufactured by the German company 2G Energietechnik GmbH. The agreement is for Asia, including Japan, the Middle East, and Africa, and the system will be used in Japan within this fiscal year. We plan to handle a total of 5 models^* with a power generation capacity of 115 kW to 750 kW.

By November 2022, the machine will be installed at Yanmar Energy System’s Okayama Test Center for validation of construction and maintainability. In 2023, we will also open a facility where customers can see the actual product, and propose this system as a solution that includes hydrogen supply for various environmentally friendly projects and companies. We will also promote technological development so that gas engines made by Yanmar are also compatible with hydrogen fuel.

In the future, we will continue to propose total energy solutions, including CHP and hydrogen generators, and strengthen our initiatives to solve our customers’ energy challenges and realize a carbon-free society.

• * Depending on the results of the test, the models and actual figures may change.

Provided value

By promoting hydrogen-fueled cogeneration systems that generate electricity and heat efficiently, businesses can curb the amount of fossil fuels and grid electricity in their business activities, thereby contributing to a decarbonized society.