Japan

A Japan-California Hydrogen online Webinar in early February was hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California. The event’s goal: to connect California organizations with the Japanese government and Japanese companies working in the hydrogen space. Presentations focus on the California Hydrogen Hub project and include remarks by key stakeholders in California and presentations by the Japanese government and Japanese companies in the field. VX News here shares a transcript of the remarks of Michael DiBernardo, POLA’s deputy Executive of Marketing and Customer Relations.

Over the years, the state of California has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of clean energy initiatives, recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key player in the sustainable energy landscape. Now, as the ARCHES project has emerged as a cornerstone of California's hydrogen strategy, underwritten by up to $1.2 billion in federal funding, California aims to accelerate the development of its hydrogen hubs, creating a robust ecosystem that aligns with its vision for a sustainable energy market. In a presentation during a Japan-California hydrogen webinar, GO-Biz’ Tyson Eckerle outlines how the state aims to establish a statewide hydrogen market by 2030. Eckerle highlights reduced emissions, substantial health cost savings, and the creation of over 220,000 jobs.

On May 1, 2015, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe ended his visit to the US in Los Angeles, appearing at the Biltmore Hotel for an event organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). VX News presents edited excerpts from the proceedings, beginning with JETRO Chair Hiroyuki Ishige, who notes the positive impact of the prime minister’s comprehensive set of economic reforms known as “Abenomics.” Prime Minister Abe, US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, and US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker each give their perspective on the past, present, and, especially, future of US-Japan trade relations, urging private sector investment along with the regulatory framework of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to strengthen the two countries’ mutually beneficial relationship.