Osaka Metro Gearing Up for Clean Transportation with Panasonic Hydrogen Energy and Solar Power Technology

In January 2023, representatives from Osaka Metro inspected the Kusatsu Plant and decided that the system implemented there, which combines the use of proprietary pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, solar power generation, and storage batteries, is closely aligned with the vision of Osaka Metro. Following the inspection, Electric Works proposed a plan to “combine electricity generated from solar and hydrogen power generation to be transmitted at high voltage.” Osaka Metro concluded that this was an effective plan to increase renewable energy usage as it leverages existing railway infrastructure. Consequently, the company decided to introduce this system and began a demonstration test.

Osaka Metro’s first challenge was to introduce equipment for hydrogen power generation in its facilities. Before implementation, the company developed a clear consensus among all the relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure full understanding of the specifications and requirements for the planned equipment and systems, including the solar power generation systems, as well as their potential impact on safety and the quality of electricity produced.