Feb. 22, 2022
Sumitomo Corporation

Conclusion of a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement for the Large-Scale Utilization of Hydrogen in Chubu and Launch of a Group to Promote the Establishment of a Large-Scale Hydrogen Supply Chain in the Region

The Hydrogen Utilization Study Group in Chubu (hereinafter, “the Study Group”), of which Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo) is a member, concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Gifu Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Mie Prefecture and Nagoya City (hereinafter, “the Three Prefectures and the City”) as well as with the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Central Japan Economic Federation and the Chubu Association of Corporate Executives (hereinafter, “the Three Economic Organizations”) for the large-scale utilization of hydrogen in Chubu and the establishment of a local hydrogen supply chain for the stable use in the region. Along with the conclusion of this agreement intended for the large-scale utilization of hydrogen in the Chubu region (hereinafter, “the Agreement”), all the parties also established a group to promote the establishment of a large-scale hydrogen supply chain in the region. Through the Agreement and the promotion group, the Study Group will implement specific measures to attain the aforementioned target.

<Cooperation to be promoted under the agreement>
The Study Group will cooperate with the Three Prefectures and the City as well as with the Three Economic Organizations for the following issues toward the establishment of a local hydrogen supply chain for the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050.
■ Establish infrastructures, make plans and conduct various other activities to promote the import, storage, supply and use of hydrogen
■ Promotion for utilization of hydrogen
■ Implement other measures necessary for the earlier realization of a hydrogen-based society

<Background for the conclusion of the Agreement>
Japan aims to go carbon neutral by 2050, which is increasing expectations for the realization of a hydrogen-based society. In order to promote the establishment of a large-scale hydrogen supply chain, national and local governments and economic and industrial circles need to make a concerted effort. The Chubu region is home to a range of industries and has great potential for the reduction of CO2 emissions and the expansion of demand for hydrogen. It is therefore the optimal model region for the reforms of industrial structure and supply chain, as well as for energy transition. Against this backdrop, the Three Prefectures and the City, the Three Economic Organizations, and the Study Group concluded the Agreement to accelerate the specific activities to be conducted for the large-scale utilization of hydrogen in the Chubu region. The parties are all committed to attaining their shared goal, and based on the Agreement, will speed up the implementation of necessary measures to achieve it.

Details of the signing ceremony
Date: From 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022
Place: Conference room 1103, 11F, WINC AICHI (Aichi Industry & Labor Center)
Participants (*attended the event online)

Aichi Prefecture	：	Governor Hideaki Omura
Mie Prefecture	：	Governor Katsuyuki Ichimi*
Gifu Prefecture	：	Governor Hajime Furuta*
Nagoya City	：	Mayor Takashi Kawamura*
Three Economic Organizations	：	Nagoya Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Chairman Yoshihiko Uchida (Attendance by a proxy*)
		Central Japan Economic Federation: Chairman Masaki Ogawa (Attendance by a proxy*)
		Chubu Association of Corporate Executives: Chairman Kiyoshi Tanaka (Attendance by a proxy*)
Hydrogen Utilization Study Group in Chubu	：	Headed by Shigeki Terashi

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