Japan to develop 'hydrogen society' ahead of Olympics
Japan has plans to develop a "hydrogen society" ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In an energy ministers policy meeting, Abe called for streamlined regulations on hydrogen refuelling stations and government cooperation in the development of supply chains. At present, the construction of hydrogen refuelling stations is hindered by high capital and maintenance costs. As a result, the total cost of a hydrogen station is four times that of a petrol station. Japan's government has committed to increase the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 2,000 to 40,000 by 2020.
TOKYO -- Japan will consider relaxing rules on hydrogen refueling stations and other steps to promote the clean energy source ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The country will develop a "hydrogen society ahead of the rest of the world," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday at a meeting of cabinet ministers in charge of energy policy. He called for streamlining regulations on hydrogen stations and developing supply chains through stronger cooperation among ministries.