ABB’s Motor and Drive to Enhance Kawasaki's Hydrogen Development Technology

• ABB will supply motors and variable speed drive (VSD) for Kawasaki Heavy Industries' hydrogen test equipment, supporting efforts to realize a hydrogen-based society in Japan.
• Project has been commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with the goal of advancing the development and practical implemetion of cutting-edge technologies.

ABB announced that it will supply a MW-class Motor and VSD for Kawasaki Heavy Industries' (KHI) hydrogen testing facility located in Harima Town, Kakogun, Hyogo Prefecture. By leveraging on its strong expertise and proven track record, ABB will support KHI’s efforts in developing hydrogen-related technologies and contribute to the realization of a sustainable, hydrogen-based society.

The motor and VSD supplied by ABB are designed to be highly efficient, reducing energy consumption and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. This will be essential in the research and development of KHI's hydrogen-related technologies and represents an important step toward realizing next-generation energy sources.

Japan is transforming its energy landscape by positioning hydrogen technology as a key component in its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Hydrogen holds great promise for generating electricity and heat without emitting carbon dioxide, and is abundantly available in water and various sources, including fossil energy. To achieve its goals, the Government is embracing public-private partnerships and inviting companies worldwide to invest in Japan's hydrogen future. These partnerships are transforming how hydrogen is produced, transported, stored, and utilized throughout the country.

Commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the project will focus on developing and applying advanced technologies to accelerate the realization of a hydrogen-based society. NEDO is Japan’s largest public research and development management organization, established to promote innovation in energy and industrial technologies. By funding and coordinating cutting-edge projects, NEDO plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Its support ensures that promising technologies—such as those related to hydrogen production, storage, and utilization—can be scaled and deployed effectively to meet Japan’s ambitious decarbonization goals.

ABB is committed to supporting KHI’s initiatives by providing energy-efficient solutions and helping to lower environmental impact. “Unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a green source of energy hinges on maximizing energy efficiency. Hydrogen being very light gas, it needs big effort to compress it in a form, that it is economical to transport, this needs high speed compressor to be more effective compression and to do it efficiently is what ABB does.  

ABB plays key role, not only for compressing the hydrogen, but total value chain: converting green energy like solar or wind to electricity,  converting electricity to hydrogen by with help of ABB power supply for electrolysis process,compressing and transporting hydrogen to the user. ABB provides one stop solution for to accelerate Japan’s green energy dream. ” said Pritesh Dalal, Local Business Unit Manager, Head of Motion at ABB Japan.

ABB's drive technology offers precise torque and speed control to optimize the performance and efficiency of motors, along with capabilities to smooth out fluctuations in the power supply and help overcome the intermittent nature of solar or wind-powered grids.

Comment from Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Under Group Vision 2030 “Trustworthy Solutions for the Future,” Kawasaki Heavy Industries positions energy and environmental solutions as a key strategic focus and is currently advancing its hydrogen business toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society. Within this strategic focus, in the hydrogen compressor business, we are engaged in the development of a centrifugal hydrogen compressor (KM Comp-H2) under the concept of “Upshift to the vibrant earth”—aiming to elevate our energetic and vibrant planet to an even higher level. This initiative contributes to the creation of a future where energy is readily available and accessible. The centrifugal hydrogen compressor is expected to play a vital role in large-scale hydrogen pipelines and in the liquefaction of hydrogen during transportation. From the perspective of energy supply, it is anticipated to become a product closely connected to people’s everyday life. In order to sustain and further enhance the richness of daily life, we are committed to realizing a global hydrogen society. Together with ABB’s solutions, and leveraging the demonstration operation at our Harima Plant as a key milestone, we will make every possible effort to advance this mission.

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