Jul. 31, 2017

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Research Program to Support Innovative Hydrogen Energy Solutions
Initiated by Toyota Mobility Foundation

 

Tokyo, Japan (July 31, 2017)―A "hydrogen society" is a set of communities with sophisticated, integrated, green-energy networks powered by mini-hydrogen plants that aim to create a carbon-free, hydrogen distribution system. The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has launched a research program to spur the development of this hydrogen society, and TMF began soliciting research proposals under this new program today.

This initiative is part of TMF's goal to promote sustainable mobility. It reflects an awareness that pairing carbon-free hydrogen systems with renewable energies contributes to energy sustainability. It also underscores the foundation's readiness to tackle energy-related issues such as environmental degradation and resource depletion.

Shifting the world to hydrogen-based systems for energy supply and consumption is a heavily discussed topic across public, private, and academic sectors, however cost remains a daunting obstacle. For this reason, TMF will emphasize innovations in the generation, storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen when screening the submitted proposals. A panel of hydrogen and energy experts from universities and public-sector research organizations will review the proposals and oversee their selection.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation seeks projects that demonstrate progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lowering the cost of hydrogen by 2030. Additionally, in an effort to maintain longevity, TMF will focus on attracting young researchers to participate in the program.

The program will last five years. For the first year, the Toyota Mobility Foundation will solicit proposals from applicants from both universities and public-sector institutions in Japan. After the initial year, TMF will open the program to accept proposals from across the world, outside of Japan.

Summary of the Program
Applicant Eligibility
Year One
next generation researchers from universities and public-sector research institutions in Japan
Years Two - Five
researchers from universities and public-sector research institutions worldwide
Funding Allocation
Total Budget
approximately ¥100 million (approximately USD 890,000)
Number of Projects
10-20 projects, up to ¥10 million (approximately USD 89,000) per project
Funding Period One to three years (dependent on the research proposal)
Basic Concept Research that offers the potential to yield practical results by 2030 in regard to reducing the output of carbon dioxide and/or the cost of hydrogen/hydrogen systems
Target Sectors
  • Hydrogen generation
  • Hydrogen storage and transport
  • Hydrogen applications
  • Energy systems
Screening Method Comprehensive evaluation of proposals' originality and viability by a screening panel of hydrogen and energy experts from universities and public-sector research organizations

Click on one of the links below for additional information.

About the Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota's expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, settling energy issues, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.