JR West has announced its plans to develop hydrogen-fueled vehicles as part of its efforts to promote decarbonization. The company aims to transition from light oil-powered vehicles to hydrogen-fueled vehicles by the 2030s.
In order to achieve its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to virtually zero by 2050 for the entire group, JR West has decided to focus on the development of hydrogen-fueled vehicles. These vehicles will run on electricity generated by the chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, emitting no carbon dioxide. JR West is targeting the 2030s for the widespread adoption of this new technology.
Additionally, the company aims to develop a large-scale hydrogen station in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, by the 2030s. Himeji City has a port where ships loaded with imported hydrogen arrive, and the city is also considering transporting hydrogen to various locations by freight train.
Masaharu Kunihiro, General Manager of JR West’s Hyogo branch, said, “In addition to promoting innovation in railways with new hydrogen technologies, we would like to make hydrogen stations a base for expanding the use of hydrogen in various places.”
