Carbon emissions are one of the great evils behind pollution and global warming. With the massive number of vehicles rolling around on the planet, the issue of carbon contamination is difficult to tackle. Japan has its sights set on this problem and has decided to call in the big guns by uniting 4 of its legendary manufacturers to work on a hydrogen engine for small vehicles, like motorcycles.
The Big 4 motorcycle brands in Japan have united on a hydrogen project
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has succeeded in uniting PwC Consulting LLC with the Hydrogen Small Mobility Engine Research Association (HySE) and the University of Kyoto to work on a hydrogen engine project together.
Who is in the HySE, you may ask? Well, none other than the massive mobility companies Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. When we think of Japanese manufacture of vehicles, these four are definitely on our minds.
Climate change is a huge monster to battle, and Japan knows that in unity lies success. The key element is collaboration, and industry and science need to be on the same side and fight together. Japan is strong in terms of small hydrogen engines that can be used to power small vehicles, like motorcycles.
Their hydrogen engine is modeled on a gasoline engine, in contrast to the European engine, which uses a diesel engine as inspiration. However, Japan has the upper hand in terms of lower costs and supply chain.
The establishment of HySe: Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels
Many vehicle manufacturers are turning to hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels. Mr. Yoshinari Ninomiya, a member of HySE and the Technical Research Association Chief of Suzuki Motors, explained that before the association between the hugely well-known Japanese mobility companies, each one of them was carrying on their own research with hydrogen engines.
However, they faced difficulties in the practical application of the findings. He added that it is difficult to tackle these individually. There was a call to join forces, and the HySe was formed to work together, not only on technology matters, but also on common standards.
With the support of NEDO, they not only have their own monetary assets at their disposal but also the expertise of universities and researchers at their fingertips. They have created a communion of academia, government, and industry to use their seemingly unlimited powers for the greater good.
It’s a win-win collaborative situation for hydrogen stakeholders
Collaboration between academia and industry can only lead to many advantages for the sides involved. Masahiro Shioji, Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University, explained that a university can reap the benefits of the support of the industry in many ways. Economically, they can get funding for research.
In terms of social benefits, they gain practical knowledge on what a society needs and align those with their research. In terms of Human Resources, he expressed that research on hydrogen engines would gather the attention of students.
Advantages of developing hydrogen for the manufacturing industry
For the manufacturing industry, the benefits are also substantial. Apart from the obvious advantage of having academic minds working on developing better solutions, the fact that they can count on the enthusiasm that students show at the opportunity of being able to conduct research with huge manufacturers can only lead to great breakthroughs.
Collaboration between the PwC, the University of Kyoto, and the HySE may lead to the development of a hydrogen engine that could pave the way for the world to be rid of contaminating fossil fuels. We have to wait and see what the big four of the manufacturing industry can do with the great minds of Kyoto University and the assistance of the government.