Japan has plans to develop a "hydrogen society" ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In an energy ministers policy meeting, Abe called for streamlined regulations on hydrogen refuelling stations and government cooperation in the development of supply chains. At present, the construction of hydrogen refuelling stations is hindered by high capital and maintenance costs. The Japanese government will also work with other countries to promote research into hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Japan's government has committed to increase the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 2,000 to 40,000 by 2020.
Japan has plans to develop a "hydrogen society" ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In an energy ministers policy meeting, Abe called for streamlined regulations on hydrogen refuelling stations and government cooperation in the development of supply chains. At present, the construction of hydrogen refuelling stations is hindered by high capital and maintenance costs. As a result, the total cost of a hydrogen station is four times that of a petrol station. Japan's government has committed to increase the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 2,000 to 40,000 by 2020.