Japan will offer JPY30.6bn (USD205m) in subsidies for the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems and other equipment, aiming to decarbonize the aviation industry, as reported by Nikkei Asia on October 9. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) plans to provide JPY17.3bn (USD116m) for the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems for aircraft, with the remaining JPY13.3bn (USD89m) for applications such as fuel-saving engine control technology. METI intends to invite participants for the aid program, including aerospace, battery, and automotive companies. Research is slated to begin in fiscal year 2024, with prototype trials expected to commence by fiscal year 2030.

Japan is actively supporting its domestic aerospace suppliers to compete in the emerging market of hydrogen-fueled aircraft. The country also aims to take a leadership role in establishing international standards for aircraft fuel cell systems. In February 2023, Nidec Leroy-Somer, a Japan-owned manufacturer specializing in electrotechnical and electronic drive systems, was selected by Airbus to design an electric motor for its prototype hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine. This electric motor will be utilized in Airbus’s ZEROeaircraft, expected to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft set for launch by 2035. In addition to the push for hydrogen-fueled aircraft, Japan introduced a new regulation in May, mandating a 10% mandatory use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for international flights using Japanese airports by 2030.

Sources:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/Hydrogen-powered-plane-tech-to-receive-Japanese-aid

Airbus Announces Motor Partner for Hydrogen Engine

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/Japan-to-require-overseas-flights-use-10-sustainable-fuel