Marubeni has been shortlisted for a UK governmental subsidy program, the Hydrogen Business Model/Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (HBM/NZHF), sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for a green hydrogen project which deploys an Area Energy Management System (AEMS) (hereinafter, the “Project”).  Marubeni will set its sights on being awarded funds under the program towards the end of FY2023, after passing the DESNZ’s due diligence process.

The Project itself consists of the development and deployment of an AEMS to optimize hydrogen production and supply based on predicted amounts of renewable energy generation and hydrogen demand. The AEMS will enable hydrogen generation plants to achieve a balance between energy supply, storage, and demand at an area level. The hydrogen produced will be used as fuel for the transportation sector—including fuel cell vehicles—and as fuel for heating in the region, thus contributing to decarbonization efforts in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. 

In July 2022, Marubeni and Bridgend County Borough Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly work together to research and develop the Project.

In addition, to facilitate the Project, in March 2022 Marubeni had completed a basic study for the “Demonstration project of control system that contributes to optimal supply and demand of local energy including electricity, heat and hydrogen (UK)” in a program "International Demonstration Project on Japan’s Energy Efficiency Technologies” of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Afterwards, from March 2023 Marubeni has started a feasibility study for the demonstration project of "Area Energy Management System (AEMS) by utilization of green hydrogen (Bridgend, UK)”.

In its Mid-Term Management Strategy GC2024, the company committed itself to leading the transition to a green economy by expanding “green business” and “greening” in all its business domains. Through this Project, Marubeni will endeavor to provide decarbonization solutions which actively leverage green hydrogen technologies.

Related Information:
Memorandum of Understanding between Marubeni and Bridgend County Borough Council for Development of a Green Hydrogen Project Deploying an Area Energy Management System (July 11, 2022)
https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2022/info/00008.html