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Japan's World Smart Energy Week set to catalyze renewable energy innovations

Annie Huang, Taipei; Vyra Wu, DIGITIMES Asia 0

Credit: International Olympic Committee

Japan is gearing up for the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo as global efforts intensify to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The exhibition will serve as a hub for cutting-edge technologies and products spanning hydrogen energy, solar power, offshore wind energy, energy storage, smart grids, biomass energy, and energy management solutions.

With 1,600 exhibitors, the 2024 installment has emerged as Asia's premier showcase for smart and renewable energy solutions. International participants include industry giants such as Samsung SDI, Huawei, Honda, and LG Energy Solution (LGES), underscoring the event's significance on the global energy stage.

Japan's government is betting big on the hydrogen energy sector, earmarking JPY15 trillion in public and private sector investments over the next 15 years. This substantial commitment aims to drive the widespread adoption of hydrogen and renewable energy sources, with plans to establish a fully integrated commercial supply chain by 2030.

A focal point of the exhibition is the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Expo, where exhibitors will unveil groundbreaking advancements in critical components and materials, including electrolytes, ion exchange membranes, catalysts, and gas analysis equipment such as hydrogen sensors and gas sensors. Additionally, innovative hydrogen storage systems and refueling stations will be on display.

Amid Japan's ambitious push for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the expo will showcase pioneering research and development in hydrogen energy fuel cells, spanning applications from vehicles and motorcycles to hydrogen-powered buildings.

In parallel, the solar energy and offshore wind power sectors, characterized by their relative maturity, will feature prominently at the event. Dedicated areas will spotlight leading solar cell module manufacturers and offshore wind developers from across the globe, reflecting the growing international collaboration in renewable energy.

Taiwanese companies, notably HD Renewable Energy, have seized the opportunity to expand their presence in the Japanese market. With a focus on solar power systems, energy storage, and participation in electricity trading platforms, Taiwanese firms are poised to make significant contributions to Japan's renewable energy landscape.

Furthermore, Japanese innovation in perovskite solar cells(PSC) has attracted considerable attention, with major corporations like Sekisui Chemical, Toyota, and Panasonic investing resources in product research and development.

Japan has set ambitious targets in wind power, aiming to achieve an installed capacity of 30GW for wind power generation by 2030. The exhibition will feature a comprehensive showcase of wind turbine generators, system components, and equipment manufacturers, highlighting Japan's commitment to renewable energy expansion.

For energy storage, a dedicated zone for smart grids will spotlight the latest advancements in ICT solutions, communication technology, transmission infrastructure, and power generation systems. Biomass energy, thermal power generation, carbon neutrality initiatives, and battery technologies will also command attention at this event.