NEDO Chairman Tamotsu Saito on Japan–California Collaboration

At VerdeXchange Conference 2025, Tamotsu Saito, Chairman of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), underscored the critical role of international innovation partnerships in navigating an era of climate and geopolitical uncertainty.

VX News shares Saito’s remarks, which emphasizes that maintaining a stable, sustainable energy supply is foundational to both economic prosperity and climate resilience. Watch or listen to Chairman Saito’s remarks here!

“With an annual budget of $1.2 billion and total funds of $57 billion…NEDO stands ready to meet the challenges of this unpredictable era—advancing innovation, accelerating technology deployment, and driving development to solve complex societal issues.” — Chairman Saito of NEDO

Thank you for the introduction. My name is Tamotsu Saito, and I serve as Chairman of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). I would like to express my appreciation to the Chair of this conference, Mr. David Abel, for allowing me to speak here. It is a pleasure to see you again.

I must begin on a serious note, reflecting on the fact that the world seems to be facing one threat after another. We are still praying for the steady recovery and reconstruction of communities devastated by the wildfires in Los Angeles this past January. Japan, too, is confronting wildfires of its own, along with ongoing geopolitical instability, unprecedented weather, and natural disasters.

In the face of such uncertainty, ensuring a stable supply of energy takes on even greater importance—it is the foundation of our daily lives and economic activity. A balanced approach is essential: we must enhance economic efficiency while addressing environmental concerns.

NEDO is Japan's largest funding agency under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, supporting research and development in the energy, environmental, and industrial fields. With an annual budget of $1.2 billion and funds totaling $57 billion, our goal is to advance and commercialize innovative technologies. In such an unpredictable era, innovation remains vital, as does the creation of new products and services. NEDO stands ready to meet these challenges head-on, accelerating the implementation of new technologies and driving development to solve complex societal issues.

Each year, we fund projects in various fields, including energy, environment, and industrial technology. Let me share some of NEDO’s notable recent activities.

On the left, you see the world’s first hydrogen carrier ship, part of a demonstration project establishing a hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Australia—now being scaled up for commercial use. On the right is our next-generation thermal power initiative, which advances research, development, and commercialization of carbon recycling technologies, transforming captured CO₂ into a valuable resource.

Please visit these projects if you have the chance to come to Japan. In Fukushima Prefecture, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster, NEDO has helped transform the region into an industrial hub for reconstruction. Among our projects, there is the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R)—the world’s largest hydrogen production plant—now supplying hydrogen across the prefecture. We also support robotics and drone test flights as part of recovery R&D. During tomorrow’s “H₂ Super Track” session, Dr. Ozawa and Mr. Shiraishi will share their experiences and solutions supporting continued recovery efforts in Fukushima.

Now, let me highlight three projects that NEDO is conducting here in California. At the Port of Los Angeles, a demonstration project is converting existing cargo vehicles into fuel cell vehicles and establishing a hydrogen supply chain. In Sacramento, NEDO is working with the California Energy Commission on a flexible energy management system for residential buildings that automatically integrates and optimizes home appliances without sacrificing convenience. Finally, through our Deep Tech Startup Program, launched in 2023, NEDO has allocated $60 million over five years to support startups. So far, 83 startups have received funding, including one called ECO Pork, which uses data and AI to enhance productivity in pig farming. I recommend attending the pitch session this evening, as well as our Silicon Valley Immersion Program, which fosters collaboration between Japanese startups and California-based companies.

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NEDO remains committed to accelerating the creation and implementation of innovative technologies. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with partners here in California and around the world, and to playing an active role in addressing global energy and environmental challenges.

I would like to convey my appreciation once again to the hosts and organizers for making this wonderful session—and VerdeXchange—possible. Thank you.

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Mr. Tamotsu Saito was appointed Chairman of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in April 2023. He joined Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (now IHI Corporation) in 1975, beginning his career in aerospace and later serving as President, then Chairman of the company. His leadership experience extends across Japan’s major industrial and economic institutions, including roles as Vice Chairman of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of the Japan Industrial Machinery Manufacturers Association, and Vice Chairman of the ASEAN-Japan Economic Council. Mr. Saito graduated from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Engineering in 1975.