Hydrogen: The Next Big Thing (Or Just Hot Air?)
Ah, hydrogen! The element that’s been promising us a clean energy utopia since before my hair could even dream of this magnificent volume. Today, we dive into the bustling capital of energy, Houston, and its exciting rendezvous with Japan over something that sounds like a sci-fi plot: creating a “hydrogen society.”
Now, you might be wondering: what is a “hydrogen society,” and why do we need one? It’s like a digital detox, but instead of putting down your phone, it’s about putting down the fossil fuels—ideal for those of us who want cleaner air without sacrificing our penchant for driving gas-guzzlers!
The meeting in Tokyo wasn’t just any old chit-chat; it was a gathering of the titans! Senior energy execs from the land of BBQ met their Japanese counterparts to talk shop about decarbonization goals. Let’s break that down: effectively, they’re trying to make hydrogen the next cool kid on the energy block, but it turns out Japan might need a bit of outsourcing help to make that happen. Kind of like when I try to make dinner and end up dialing for pizza.
Houston’s Center for Houston’s Future (CHF) hosted this electrifying (see what I did there?) roundtable together with the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A), a group making strides with about 450 HOT Japanese companies and local councils willing to bet on hydrogen’s bright future. Imagine a room full of people just buzzing with energy (pun absolutely intended). They even signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It’s like a pinky swear for adults who want to save the planet but still aren’t ready to commit to mandatory veggie days.
Some prominent figures weighed in on the matter. Brett Perlman, CEO of CHF, was nearly drooling over the potential partnership, boasting that over 20 energy companies ‘from the Gulf Coast’—which, let’s face it, sounds as grand as it is, like the Kardashians of clean energy—are eager to get in on the Japanese hydrogen action. Oh, the promises of establishing trade routes stronger than my Aunt Edna’s fruitcake at Christmas!
But on the other hand, there’s a challenge. Koji Toyama from Roland Berger Japan chimed in about hydrogen’s scaling slow-down due to rising costs—essentially a classic case of “if it was so great, why is it taking so long?” He’s like the parent on the family road trip asking, “Are we there yet?” Well, Koji, not yet, but we’re on the hydrogen highway now!
Now, from an economic perspective, this partnership isn’t just about warm and fuzzy feelings. As John Cypher from the Greater Houston Partnership noted, Japan is a significant trading partner for Houston. They’ve nearly tripled trade over the last decade—talk about a business relationship blossoming faster than your friend’s Instagram feed after she gets a new puppy.
So, why is Houston cooking up this hydrogen dish? The Gulf Coast thinks it can be a “central player” in the clean hydrogen society party. Call them the “host with the most” (as long as they get the ratios right). The potential economic impact could bring a wave of jobs and investment. Not to mention, it’s easier to ask your boss for raises when you can bill yourself as “saving the planet” on your CV.
The Final (Hydrogen) Word
In conclusion, as these two energy giants shake hands and plot world domination—one hydrogen fuel cell at a time—we’re reminded of a few key elements: collaboration, innovation, and perhaps a touch of skepticism. Are we really on the verge of a hydrogen revolution, or will this turn into another grand idea that keeps getting postponed like my gym membership renewal?
Whatever the outcome, let’s hope this partnership fills the air with something more than hot air. If they pull this off, it could be the energy gig of the century! Or we’ll just find ourselves waiting for another announcement while sipping on a nice glass of— you guessed it—hydrogen water!
Stay tuned for the next thrilling episode in the saga of clean energy, because if there’s one thing we guarantee, it’s that this party is just getting started!
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a significant gathering today, senior energy executives from Houston, Texas, often referred to as the “energy capital of the world,” convened with their Japanese counterparts to explore strategies for fulfilling Japan’s ambitious national decarbonization targets. Central to these discussions was the creation of a “hydrogen society,” reflecting Japan’s commitment to harnessing clean hydrogen as a vital next-generation energy source. However, experts caution that Japan’s ambition is challenged by its limited domestic resources, necessitating robust international partnerships to realize this vision.
The Center for Houston’s Future (CHF), a pivotal economic development organization spearheading the U.S. Gulf Coast’s clean hydrogen strategy, co-hosted the “Japan-U.S. Gulf Coast Clean Hydrogen Round Table” with the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A). This gathering featured around 450 members from the JH2A, encompassing Japanese companies, municipal bodies, and research institutions.
The meeting served as a platform for energy experts from both Japan and the U.S. to engage in meaningful dialogue. A momentous highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CHF and JH2A, underscoring a commitment to fostering cooperation. This ceremony was graced by the signatures of Brett Perlman, CEO of the Center of Houston’s Future, and Hiroshi Fukushima, Secretary General of JH2A.
Roland Berger Japan, under the guidance of Managing Partner Yuzuru Joe Ohashi, played a crucial role in sponsoring and supporting the event, contributing to the rich exchange of ideas.
The Japan-U.S. Gulf Coast Clean Hydrogen Forum is part of an ongoing series of Trade and Investment Missions orchestrated by the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), the preeminent chamber of commerce in the Greater Houston Area. This mission marks the inaugural visit to Japan and South Korea aimed at cultivating collaborative opportunities in hydrogen energy.
This Forum was strategically held to strengthen relationships within the context of Japanese-U.S. collaboration and commercial transactions in the clean hydrogen sector. Participants actively shared insights on energy policies, technological advancements, and social implementation efforts pertinent to the industry.
Brett Perlman, CEO of the Center of Houston’s Future, emphasized the escalating interest of the U.S. Gulf Coast, a global leader in hydrogen production, in the developing Japanese clean hydrogen market: “More than 20 energy companies based on the U.S. Gulf Coast are participating in this visit, including major clean hydrogen suppliers, international EPCs, infrastructure companies, clean hydrogen equipment suppliers, and trading companies.” He added, “This illustrates our shared understanding that collaborations with the Japanese market are essential to realizing a clean hydrogen society, including trade, technology alliances, and building global supply chains.”
Hiroshi Fukushima, Secretary General, JH2A, highlighted the significance of the MOU, stating, “We are pleased to have signed this MOU with the Center for Houston’s Future, which plays an important role in the energy transition toward decarbonization in the United States and worldwide.” He noted that JH2A has now established partnerships by signing MOUs with 12 international organizations.
John Cypher, Vice President of International Investment and Trade with the Partnership, commented on the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship, stating, “Japan stands as Houston’s seventh largest international trading partner, with trade between our regions nearly tripling over the past decade. This remarkable growth underscores not only the strength of our economic ties but also highlights Houston’s pivotal role as the energy capital of the world.”
Koji Toyama, Partner at Roland Berger Japan, shared insights into the current market dynamics, noting, “In recent years, hydrogen, considered a promising player for global decarbonization, has moderately slowed down in its expansion due to challenges such as rising costs. Given the circumstances, a closer look is required to ensure the economic viability of hydrogen businesses while continuing the important efforts in the medium to long term.”
CHF, JH2A, GHP, and Roland Berger are committed to leveraging the momentum generated during the Japan-U.S. Gulf Coast Clean Hydrogen Round Table to seize various opportunities that will advance the hydrogen market and contribute to the realization of a thriving hydrogen society.
About Roland Berger: Roland Berger is one of the world’s leading strategy consultancies with a wide-ranging service portfolio for all relevant industries and business functions. Founded in 1967, Roland Berger is headquartered in Munich. Renowned for its expertise in transformation, innovation across all sectors and performance improvement, the consultancy has set itself the goal of embedding sustainability in all its projects.
Contacts
America:
Laura Goldberg, senior vice president, Center for Houston’s Future
lgoldberg@futurehouston.org
Japan:
Tomomi Yabe, Marketing&Communications, Roland Berger Japan
+81 0 90 3707 4350
