Japanese car manufacturer accelerates further development of fuel cell technology: New headquarters responsible for research, development and commercialization
Toyota is setting the course for the future: The Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) research and development center in California will now become the “North American Hydrogen Headquarters” (H2HQ). With this step, the mobility group is underpinning its commitment to fuel cell technology and hydrogen-based products and technologies that pave the way to a more sustainable society and economy.
In the recently modernized offices of the H2HQ campus, research and development as well as the commercialization and sales of hydrogen-related products and technologies are being advanced.
Hydrogen strategy: H2 in full focus
In addition, the company wants to build, among other things, a training center for customers and a flexible microgrid that supports the energy transition with battery storage, generators and green power generation.
In addition to a 230 kW photovoltaic system, a stationary 1 MW PEM fuel cell generator, a 325 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and a 500 kWh battery storage facility are planned on site.
The microgrid should be operational by 2026 and cover the energy needs of the entire campus.
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The H2HQ is part of a comprehensive restructuring: With the so-called “Hydrogen Factory”, Toyota Motor Corporation created a new department in Japan last year to bundle all hydrogen-related work at one location and to facilitate the customer-oriented development and production of fuel cell or hydrogen-related products speed up products.
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A “Hydrogen Factory” is also planned for Europe to boost business and promote the spread of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure.
The new H2HQ will now drive hydrogen initiatives in the North American market – in line with the company’s global strategy. This includes, among other things, fuel cell technology for light and heavy commercial vehicles, for stationary power generation and for port applications.
The research and development facility, located in California, already has the largest Toyota dynamometer (1.2 MW), a scalable test bench for stationary applications and a hydrogen filling station that supplies fuel to both light and heavy-duty vehicles.
Several new hydrogen projects planned
Several new projects are planned in the coming years to maintain and expand our leadership position in the field of fuel cells. Toyota also wants to set up a sustainable education center at the H2HQ headquarters, which can be visited by appointment. Visitors will learn more about the company’s sustainability vision and the role hydrogen plays in it.
“California has set ambitious goals to achieve clean air, carbon neutrality and a vibrant economy.
“The Toyota investment and the associated expansion of research and development on hydrogen-based fuel cell technology in our state is an example of innovation that will accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission transportation options – especially as freight transportation decarbonizes,” added Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).