President Shinji Shimada and Director Akihiro Iiyama of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Research Center participate in an exchange of opinions with Minister of the Environment

　On Thursday, June 16, 2022, President Shinji Shimada and Director Akihiro Iiyama of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Research Center participated in an exchange of opinions with Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi, Minister of the Environment.
　Yamanashi Prefecture is promoting the introduction of renewable energy sources that take advantage of regional characteristics and the utilization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology to realize a decarbonized society. The university is also promoting the utilization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
　Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, handed a written request which requesting support for the realization of a hydrogen society to Mr. Yamaguchi, Minister of the Environment on that day.
　At the exchange of opinions, President Shimada explained that we have been conducting research on hydrogen and fuel cells for more than 40 years as a world-class education and research base and introduced the new engineering department starting in April 2024, including a new course on clean energy and strengthening education for solving energy problems for carbon neutrality.
　In addition, Director Iiyama explained about the University’s efforts to contribute to decarbonization through hydrogen, including the development of a fuel cell electrically power assisted bicycle and support for local businesses using the University’s technological seeds.
　Minister Yamaguchi said, “It is important for universities to work with local communities to tackle issues in order to build a new social system. I hope that the government will support not only decarbonization efforts, but also revitalization of towns and resilience of the region through renewable energy. “