Japan's 'clean coal' power experiment is that also create hydrogen.
Japan’s Osaki CoolGen project is pushing the boundaries of clean coal technology on a small island in Hiroshima prefecture. This ambitious venture aims to revolutionize coal power by combining gasification, carbon capture, and fuel cell technology. Surprisingly, the process also produces hydrogen, a promising clean energy source. While the project boasts significant emission reductions compared to traditional coal plants, it faces an uncertain future as global sentiment shifts away from fossil fuels. Japan sees this technology as crucial for energy security and hopes to export it to developing Asian countries. As the world grapples with climate change, the Osaki CoolGen project raises intriguing questions about the role of coal in a sustainable energy future. Can innovation truly make coal “clean,” or is it time to fully embrace renewable alternatives?