Apartment blocks at Tokyo’s former Olympic village to start receiving hydrogen by pipeline

Hydrogen (H2) is slated to be utilized for powering communal electricity needs, while the surplus heat generated from fuel cells will serve the purpose of cleaning pets' paws. Commencing from March 29, 2024, apartment complexes within the former Olympic village in Tokyo will be supplied with hydrogen via pipelines. This initiative aims to supply electricity for lighting and elevator operations in shared spaces, facilitated through a collaborative effort involving Panasonic, Toshiba, Eneos, and Tokyo Gas. Additionally, a portion of the waste heat produced by the five fuel cells installed in the buildings will be repurposed to provide hot water for outdoor pet-paw washing facilities.

In tandem with this endeavor, a new hydrogen refueling station catering to buses and private vehicles, managed by Eneos, Japan’s largest oil company, was inaugurated on March 27, 2024, marking a pivotal step in the five-year project. Notably, the Harumi Flag development encompasses 24 buildings housing 5,632 residences, all of which are connected to the conventional electricity grid. Thus, this undertaking primarily serves as a trial for a novel technique, particularly beneficial during instances of power outages.

Hydrogen delivery, originating from unspecified sources—likely fossil fuels or chemical by-products—will be facilitated through a subterranean pipeline spanning 1km from the filling station. The joint venture responsible for this initiative was established in February 2018, comprising key stakeholders such as the Tokyo city administration, Panasonic, Toshiba, Toshiba Energy Systems, Tokyo Gas, Harumi Eco Energy, and Eneos.

A statement from the municipality underscores the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's commitment to fostering environmentally progressive urban models, exemplified by initiatives like the integration of hydrogen as an energy source, particularly at sites like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Village.