Prospective Blueprint for Namie's Reconstruction in Post-Nuclear Fukushima (Sequel)
In a significant move, Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota, visited Fukushima Prefecture on March 5, 2021. His purpose was to inspect the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R), a proving test facility with the world's largest hydrogen production capacity.
Toyota's interest in Fukushima is driven by the potential to demonstrate success and entice other prefectures and cities to join the movement towards a carbon-neutral world. The company, known for its expertise in mobility, sees a role for itself in the "making" part of a hydrogen-based society.
Akio Toyoda has been delivering the message: "Tohoku's recovery will lead the future of Japan" for 10 years. His visit to FH2R was not a step toward the future, but an opportunity to consciously move towards the next phase in small increments.
The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred a decade ago, is still ongoing, according to Akio. However, the 10-year mark can be seen as an opportunity to consciously move to the next phase. Akio expressed that this visit was a chance to determine an approach as a mobility company that would improve people's lives in the future.
Toyota intends to conduct various tests in Fukushima, such as implementing hydrogen-based delivery trucks and prefectural government vehicles. The company also aims to set up power generators at roadside stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores in Fukushima towns to cover some of the electricity used there.
Hydrogen is produced from renewable energy generated by sunlight at FH2R. This method of production aligns with Toyota's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Akio emphasized the importance of changing daily awareness about CO emissions in this pursuit.
The rebuilding of Namie, a town in Fukushima, can be the first step in defining a basic unit for a hydrogen-based society, according to Akio. If a basic unit of hydrogen production is defined as appropriate for a city with a population of 300,000, cities like Nagoya (with a population of 2 million) would require 7 units.
Toyota's involvement in Fukushima is not just about hydrogen production. The company has steadily improved employment and tax payments in the Tohoku region through implementing long-term sustainable business plans. Robotics testing including flying cars and drones is already being conducted in Fukushima, furthering the region's technological advancement.
Moreover, Toyota can contribute to the Fukushima region by supporting local economic revitalization, advancing sustainable mobility solutions, and potentially investing in clean energy and infrastructure projects to aid recovery and development after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. However, specific recent initiatives by Toyota for Fukushima were not detailed in the available search results.
Akio Toyoda's visit to FH2R marks a significant step in Toyota's commitment to Fukushima and a hydrogen-based society. The company's efforts in Fukushima are a testament to its dedication to sustainable development and carbon neutrality.
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