Energy & Environmental Technology

Chiba Prefecture sits atop an estimated 500-year supply of iodine, the key material in Japan-invented perovskite solar cells. If combined, they could form a fully domestic energy cycle. We break down the potential and the hurdles standing in the way.

Panasonic's glass-type perovskite solar cells will be installed on the exterior of Hankyu Hanshin Properties' new headquarters—a first for new office buildings in Japan. This landmark step brings Japan-invented next-generation BIPV solar technology closer to mainstream adoption, in a building already certified ZEB Ready and DBJ Green Building 5-Star.

Japan officially targets fusion power demonstration in the 2030s as part of its national strategy. With a new Cabinet Office task force, 80+ companies in the J-Fusion consortium, and decades of ITER expertise, Japan is accelerating its bid to lead the global fusion race against the US, China, and UK.

A joint research team from the University of Yamanashi, Waseda University, and Shinshu University has developed a completely fluorine-free electrolyte membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Achieving over 100,000 durability cycles—1.3 times that of conventional fluorine-based membranes—this PFAS-free breakthrough could accelerate the global hydrogen economy while addressing environmental regulations.

Japan's Sumitomo Corporation is pioneering a unique approach to nuclear fusion by partnering with three startups using different technologies—TAE Technologies, Tokamak Energy, and SHINE Technologies. Rather than waiting for fusion power plants, the trading giant is already monetizing derivative technologies in cancer treatment, battery storage, and industrial inspection, creating a new business model for the $23 billion fusion industry.

The explosive growth of AI data centers is triggering a global power crisis. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are making unprecedented investments in nuclear restarts and direct utility partnerships. By 2026, data center power consumption could rival Japan's entire annual electricity use. Explore how AI is reshaping the world's energy landscape, including Japan's unique "Watt-Bit Integration" strategy.

Four massive ammonia tanks—each 40 meters tall and 60 meters wide—are under construction at Japan's Hekinan Power Station. The world's first commercial-scale 20% ammonia co-firing begins in 2029, aiming to eventually replace coal entirely. Here's why it's both groundbreaking and controversial.

Mizuno and Kaneka's co-developed biodegradable artificial turf "Re Green Grass 9" has been installed at Vantelin Dome Nagoya — a world first for professional sports facilities. Using Kaneka's "Green Planet" biopolymer that decomposes even in seawater, this innovation tackles the growing microplastics crisis in sports infrastructure.

Japanese fusion startup Helical Fusion and veteran manufacturer Sugino Machine have jointly developed the world's only dedicated machine for producing high-temperature superconducting coils. Standing 6 meters tall and weighing 12 tons, this device is essential for building the "Helix HARUKA" demonstration reactor, bringing Japan closer to achieving the world's first commercial fusion power in the 2030s.