Zoom into the Details behind ALICE SYSTEM―Design Concept Committed to Reality Special Column: How Can We Build a Hydrogen Society by 2050?―Kawasaki’s Three Strategies
The ALICE SYSTEM project assumes a society where hydrogen is used as a common source of energy. But what exactly need to happen to make a hydrogen society a reality? To explore this question, we spoke with Executive Officer Yoshimoto Matsuda, who leads Kawasaki’s hydrogen strategies and oversaw the disign of the hydrogen-based power generator for ALICE SYSTEM, to describe the company’s plans to approach the issue.
Hydrogen Strategy and Presidential Project Management,
President, Precision Machinery & Robot Company
Professional Engineer JP (Mechanical Engineering)
One of the biggest challenges facing hydrogen adoption today is the classic “chicken-and-egg” dilemma: hydrogen is too expensive because there’s not enough demand, and there’s not enough demand because it’s too expensive. If left unaddressed, a hydrogen society will never materialize. That’s why Kawasaki—uniquely equipped with technologies and expertise across the entire hydrogen supply chain, from production and transport to storage and utilization—sees it as our mission to break this cycle and lead the way forward.
That said, we are not aiming for an abrupt energy transition. Instead, we envision a transient period lasting until around 2030 to 2035, during which hydrogen adoption will gradually expand. Right now, we are in that very phase, and Kawasaki is advancing three key initiatives to pave the way.
Firstly, while green hydrogen is the ultimate goal, we are starting with more accessible options like blue hydrogen—produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to minimize CO₂ emissions. This approach allows for lower costs and helps establish the necessary infrastructure.
Second, rather than switching to 100% hydrogen overnight, we are developing equipment - “hydrogen-ready” products- that can co-fire hydrogen with existing fuels. This enables a smoother transition by leveraging current facilities.
Third, Kawasaki’s strength in mobility development is key. We are already collaborating with domestic and international automakers to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles and vessels—making mobility a flagship for hydrogen adoption.
Let me share a metaphor from my younger days as a mountaineer. When you climb a mountain about 3,000 meters high, you can see other mountains at the same elevation even from far away. And if you are on a smaller mountain, even taller peaks can appear to be at your level. In other words, people with high aspirations will eventually find each other, no matter the distance. And those who seem to be on same level may, in fact, be far ahead. That is why we must always strive to elevate ourselves.
Like many mobility industries, such as EVs and hybrid cars, the energy sector is heavily influenced by political dynamics. In such an environment, it is crucial to stay focused on the fundamentals – data, evidence, and long-term vision. We must analyze the situation clearly, think practically, and concentrate our efforts on one breakthrough point. By doing so, we will attract like-minded partners who share our ambition to reach the 3,000 meter-mountain, helping you discover new routes and paths forward.
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