Japan
A Proposal of Hydrogen Safety Technology for Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
Mar 2025
Publication
The safe removal transportation and long-term storage of fuel debris in the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi is the biggest challenge facing Japan. In the nuclear power field passive autocatalytic recombiners (PARs) have become established as a technology to prevent hydrogen explosions inside the containment vessel. To utilize PAR as a measure to reduce the concentration of hydrogen generated in the fuel debris storage canister which is currently an issue it is required to perform in a sealed environment with high doses of radiation low temperature and high humidity and there are many challenges different from conventional PAR. A honeycombshaped catalyst based on automotive catalyst technology has been newly designed as a PAR and research has been conducted to solve unique problems such as high dose radiation low temperature high humidity coexistence of hydrogen and low oxygen and catalyst poisons. This paper summarizes the challenges of hydrogen generation in a sealed container the results of research and a guide to how to use the PAR for fuel debris storage canisters.
A Priori and a Posteriori Analyses of Differential and Preferential Diffusion in Large Eddy Simulations of Partially Premixed Hydrogen-air Flames
Oct 2025
Publication
Differential diffusion (DD) and non-unity Lewis number (Le) effects in the filtered equations of the mixture fraction progress variable their respective sub-grid scale (SGS) variances and enthalpy are investigated using a priori and a posteriori analyses of a lifted turbulent hydrogen jet flame. The a priori analyses show that the absolute magnitudes of the DD terms in the filtered mixture fraction equation and its SGS variance are significant individually but their net contribution is small. The DD effects are found to be small for the progress variable and its SGS variance. One non-unity Le term is of similar magnitude to the turbulent flux for the filtered enthalpy and is independent of turbulent transport. Therefore a simple model for this effect is constructed using flamelets. A priori validation of this model is performed using direct numerical simulation data of a lifted hydrogen flame and its a posteriori verification is undertaken through two large eddy simulations. This effect influences the enthalpy field and hence the temperature is affected because of the relative increase (decrease) in thermal diffusivity for lean (rich) mixtures. Hence higher peak temperatures are observed in the rich mixture when the non-unity Le effects are included. However its overall effects on the flame lift-off height and flame-brush structure are observed to be small when compared with measurements. Hence the DD and non-unity Le effects are negligible for LES of partially premixed combustion of hydrogen–air mixtures in high Reynolds number flows. Novelty and significance The relative importance of differential and preferential diffusion effects for large eddy simulations using the tabulated chemistry approach is systematically assessed. The consistency among the complete set of equations and their closure models of the controlling variables (filtered mixture fraction progress variable their subgrid scale variances and enthalpy) for partially premixed combustion is maintained on the physical and mathematical grounds for the first time. The novelty of this work lies in the development validation and verification of a computationally simple yet accurate and robust model for these diffusion effects and its a priori and a posteriori analyses. It is demonstrated that the influence of non-equidiffusion is small for turbulent partially premixed hydrogen–air flames and hence the standard unity Lewis number approach is shown to be sufficient for turbulent partially premixed flames with high turbulence levels which are typical in practical applications.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Energy Production in West Africa
Nov 2025
Publication
The United Nations has set a global vision towards emissions reduction and green growth through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Towards the realisation of SDGS 7 9 and 13 we focus on green hydrogen production as a potential pathway to achievement. Green hydrogen produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources represents a pivotal solution towards climate change mitigation. Energy access in West Africa remains a challenge and dependency on fossil fuels persists. So green hydrogen offers an opportunity to harness abundant solar resources reduce carbon emissions and foster economic development. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in five West African countries: Ghana Nigeria Mali Niger and Senegal. The analyses cover the solar energy potential hydrogen production capacities and economic viability using the Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and Net Present Value (NPV). Results indicate substantial annual hydrogen production potential with LCOH values competitive with global benchmarks amidst the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Despite this potential several barriers exist including high initial capital costs policy and regulatory gaps limited technical capacity and water resource constraints. We recommend targeted strategies for strengthening policy frameworks fostering international partnerships enhancing regional infrastructure integration and investing in capacity-building initiatives. By addressing these barriers West Africa can be a key player in the global green hydrogen market.
Public Readiness for Hydrogen Infrastructure in Community Settings: Comparative Evidence on Attitudinal Dynamics
Oct 2025
Publication
This study presents a cross-national investigation into the drivers and psychological mechanisms shaping public perceptions and acceptance of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure located in residential proximity. Parallel survey data from Japan Spain and Norway were analysed using a multigroup comparative framework. Measurement invariance was established across the three datasets subject to minor modifications within the constructs of trust in hydrogen innovation safe housing concern and perceived usefulness. The conceptual models yielded generalisable findings across countries: negative emotions exerted a stronger influence on individuals' risk perceptions than positive emotions whereas perceived usefulness had a greater impact on acceptance than perceived risk. Safe housing and environmental concerns exhibited moderating effects that amplified the influence of affective responses towards hydrogen refuelling facilities with varying magnitudes across datasets. Furthermore the incorporation of Hofstede's cultural dimensions provided insights into cross-country differences revealing that individualism uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation explain the psychological pathways through which affective states are translated into subjective evaluations of hydrogen facilities ultimately shaping community acceptance.
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