I had an opportunity to visit the Komekurayama Electric Power Storage Technology Research Site in the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It was created to research and develop next-generation energy systems, primarily focusing on Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology to create a CO₂-free hydrogen society. P2G is a technology that converts surplus renewable electricity (from wind or solar) into storable gaseous fuels like hydrogen or synthetic natural gas. All current P2G systems start with electrolysis splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. In a “power-to-hydrogen” system, the resulting hydrogen is injected into the natural gas grid, or is used in transport or industry rather than being used to produce another gas type.
Power-to-Gas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-to-gas
Yamanashi Prefecture is a significant hub for hydrogen and fuel cell research and development (R&D), featuring a strong academic-industry cluster centered around the University of Yamanashi, world-class facilities like FC-Cubic, and the Hydrogen Technology Center, focusing on the entire hydrogen cycle from production (including green hydrogen) to use, fostering innovation and attracting related businesses through supportive government initiatives.
Komekurayama Solar Power Plant: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komekurayama_Solar_Power_Plant
Yamanashi Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Support: https://www.yiso.or.jp/yhfc/en/index.html#gsc.tab=0
Yonekurayama Next-Generation Energy Systems Research and Development Village: https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp.e.aao.hp.transer.com/newene-sys/nesrad.html Komekurayama can be read as Yonekurayama in the Japanese writing system.
Some equipment in the Komekurayama Electric Power Storage Technology Research Site, Kofu, Yamanashi, 12/09/2025
Also, please read the related article, Hydrogen As a Next-Generation Energy Source: https://yamanashietsuo.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=6644&action=edit
FYI
Launch of Suntory’s Green Hydrogen Park Hakushu: A New Journey in Energy “Born from Water, Returning to Water”: https://www.suntory.com/sustainability/story/024/
Overview of P2G System at Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant and Suntory Hakushu Distillery: https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/newsroom/press/archives/2025/pdf/251011e0102.pdf
Technical Development, Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center: https://www.iwatani.co.jp/eng/business/rd/hydrogen/high-pressure/
Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_Hydrogen_Energy_Research_Field; https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/800013531.pdf
