In a major move for the entertainment industry, Toho Co., Ltd. and JERA Co., Inc. have launched Japan’s first commercial use of hydrogen-generated electricity at Toho Studios, the country’s largest movie studio.
This initiative marks a significant step towards eliminating CO2 emissions in film production.
JERA, through its subsidiary JERA Cross, has begun supplying hydrogen-generated power to Toho Studios, utilising a state-of-the-art hydrogen power generation facility at Sodegaura Thermal Power Station in Chiba.
The setup includes four hydrogen tanker trucks with a capacity of 3,000Nm3 each, a 320kW gas engine hydrogen generator, and two 35kW hydrogen fuel cell generators.
This collaboration aims to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy starting in fiscal 2024, as part of a broader effort to eliminate CO2 emissions from power consumption at Toho Studios.
In addition to hydrogen power, the studio has also introduced electricity from JERA’s solar power generation facilities.
Hiro Matsuoka, President and CEO of Toho Co., Ltd., highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility: “We believe achieving carbon-free film and video production that takes the global environment into account is one of our social responsibilities as an entertainment company.”
Yukio Kani, Global CEO and Chair of JERA Co., Ltd., highlighted the project’s significance: “Toho’s effort to achieve film and video production using 100 per cent carbon-free energy is a groundbreaking project for decarbonisation of the entertainment industry.”
This initiative not only showcases the potential of hydrogen energy in reducing carbon footprints but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the film industry.
As Toho Studios works towards producing content with zero emissions, it paves the way for a greener future in entertainment.
