Chiyoda joins Hokkaido magnesium hydride hydrogen study

Chiyoda Corp said on August 13 it had been selected for the survey phase of a NEDO hydrogen model project as part of an eight-member consortium led by H2 Hokkaido, for a study on building an integrated Hokkaido supply chain for renewable-energy hydrogen and domestically produced magnesium using magnesium hydride.

The project will examine producing green hydrogen from Hokkaido’s abundant renewable energy resources and low-carbon magnesium through molten salt electrolysis technology. It also envisions reacting green hydrogen with magnesium to create magnesium hydride, or MgH2, as a medium for hydrogen transport and use.

The study will assess the feasibility of building a hydrogen supply chain with Wakkanai as a production base and Sapporo as the main demand center, with a view to future commercial deployment, according to the release.

Chiyoda will participate in planning the overall supply chain using renewable-energy-based hydrogen and magnesium hydride, evaluating technical feasibility, and examining business viability and system configuration for eventual implementation, the company said.

The consortium comprises H2 Hokkaido as lead proposer, along with the city of Sapporo, Chiyoda, TISI, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Tokuyama, Docon and Mizuho Bank. The survey phase will be carried out in fiscal 2026.

Magnesium is used in industries including aircraft and automobiles, and Japan depends on imports for much of its supply. The Japanese government classifies magnesium as an important mineral from the standpoint of economic security.

NEDO is a Japanese national research and development agency that funds technology development and demonstration projects in areas including energy, industrial technology and decarbonization. Chiyoda has also participated since inception in a Sapporo city council established to promote hydrogen and renewable energy, the company said.