Tokyo Olympics To Be Powered By Japan’s Hydrogen Economy

There is something very special about this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. And that is happening for the first time – both Cauldrons together with the Olympic Torch will be fueled by hydrogen. It is, in turn, created with the help of electricity generated by a solar array in Fukushima which makes it green hydrogen. These events are major milestones for the hydrogen economy.

This is not only a first for the Olympics but also a brand new chapter in Japan’s efforts to build a sustainable future.

This year’s Olympic Games have already been dubbed the ‘Hydrogen Olympics’ and are a significant demonstration of the fuel of the future.

Hydrogen is the world’s most abundant element. And in addition to being light and clean, it produces zero CO2 emissions and can easily be produced using renewable electricity. According to numerous experts, hydrogen may be the answer to putting an end to greenhouse gas emissions from industry, airlines, and other emission-intensive sectors.

With that in mind, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics serve as an excellent tool to showcase technologies that can help meet climate goals. And the hopes are high that these Olympic Games will mark the beginning of a hydrogen society.

The Olympic Village As A Model For The Hydrogen Economy

In preparation for Tokyo 2020, the Japanese government has made great efforts to study and develop hydrogen-based technology. Part of these preparations has been to launch one of the world’s largest hydrogen plants in Fukushima Prefecture. Other examples include opening the first of its kind hotel that is partially powered by hydrogen from waste plastic in Tokyo.

The Olympic Village also relies on hydrogen to provide lights, heat, and hot water for a total of 11,000 athletes. And once the Olympics are over, the Olympic Village, as the country’s first full-scale infrastructure for the hydrogen economy, will be converted to hydrogen-powered facilities, such as apartments, a school, shops, and more.

The resulting settlement will be a live example of how an urban community can be socially inclusive, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced all at the same time.