Honda - green hydrogen
Honda R&D Europe (at Offenbach in Germany) and the Honda Research Institute Europe GmbH have confirmed the next stage of its 'Smart Company' concept with installation of a green hydrogen production system that can be powered by surplus solar energy.
The announcement marks the next stage in Honda's 'Smart Company' showcase, a testbed for the purpose of developing technologies to maximise the use of renewable energy and allow development and testing of large-scale energy system optimisation.
Honda's stated aim is to reach its global aim of zero emissions from its products and operations by 2050. This latest installation will harness surplus solar energy from photovoltaic arrays to make green hydrogen through electrolysis.
Honda inaugurated the 'Smart Company' concept in 2017, and this special facility aims to develop simulation models and methods for large-scale energy system optimisation, develop and test Honda technology under European market conditions, assess new business models and research new smart energy management solutions and define and develop integrated Energy Management Systems and smart e-mobility applications.
The site combines a total of 749 kilowatts peak (kWp) of self-generated solar energy from multiple photovoltaic arrays, a second life battery storage unit, advanced uni-directional Honda Power Charger S+ (4G), bi-directional Honda Power Manager smart chargers, and several electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, all of which are connected to an Energy Management System developed by Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH. The 'Smart Company' will allow for the testing of developing technologies and systems on site.
Honda says that hydrogen is positioned as a promising energy carrier due to its characteristics. It is possible to store, transport and can refuel fast. It is globally acknowledged that green hydrogen will play a critical role in mitigating global warming. While hydrogen has been used in industry for decades, the green hydrogen market is only just emerging.
Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen generated through electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. This hydrogen is produced without any greenhouse gas emissions.
