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.
Vema Hydrogen completes the world's first Engineered Mineral Hydrogen pilot wells in Quebec. With potential costs of $0.50/kg—a 90% reduction—and candidate sites identified in Japan's Tohoku and Kyushu regions, this technology could reshape Japan's hydrogen society vision and energy independence.
Fujikura dominates the global market for high-temperature superconducting wire essential to fusion reactors. Combined with Japan's domestic AI-powered autonomous driving, artificial photosynthesis breakthroughs, and the government's Physical AI strategy, these technologies are putting Japan back on the global innovation map.
Shimizu Corporation's world-class SEP vessel "BLUE WIND" has arrived in Maizuru, Kyoto. Learn about this massive 142m construction ship with 2,500-ton crane capacity and Japan's offshore wind power development projects.
Singapore startup Flint begins mass production of biodegradable paper batteries. Made from cellulose, decomposing in 6 weeks, with no lithium or cobalt. Pilot programs with Logitech and Amazon underway, AA/AAA formats expected in 2026. Could this be the solution to battery waste?
Japan's perovskite solar cell market is projected to surge to nearly $26 billion globally by 2040, with key materials exceeding $9.5 billion. This flexible, lightweight technology invented in Japan could revolutionize renewable energy by enabling installation on walls, windows, and curved surfaces previously impossible for traditional solar panels.
SoftBank accelerates its net-zero journey with AI-powered base station sleep control saving 5 million kWh annually and hybrid solar-wind self-powered stations. Learn how Japan's telecom giant is revolutionizing green infrastructure.
Japan unveils groundbreaking automated rare metal recovery system developed over 30 years by AIST's Dr. Tatsuya Oki. Combining AI detection with air-based sorting technology, this world-first facility in Osaka began testing in September 2025. The system automatically extracts up to 10 types of rare metals from six categories of small electronics including smartphones and tablets, targeting commercial operation by 2028. Learn how this innovation could transform Japan's resource security and reduce dependence on Chinese imports.
Toray's all-carbon CO2 separation membrane successfully demonstrated at an Osaka sewage treatment plant. The technology reduces dehumidification costs by approximately 70% compared to conventional methods, dramatically improving biogas power generation economics and potentially transforming sewage plants nationwide into small-scale power stations.