Itoshima-based public interest corporation Hydrogen Energy Test and Research Center (HyTReC) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new lab building where stress tests will be conducted on large-scale hydrogen storage tanks. Scheduled for completion next March, the facility, which will be one of the world’s largest, will be the first place in Japan where large tanks can be tested. Automakers are currently developing hydrogen fuel cell cars that are slated to go on sale in 2015, but one issue they face is reducing the cost of hydrogen stations, which require large storage tanks. As companies develop tanks using carbon fiber and other materials, there is a growing call for a public organization to evaluate the tanks. Governor Ogawa remarked, “I hope research can be accelerated by using this world-class testing facility.” Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Aug. 27
