World's first hydrogen-powered hotel opens in Fukushima Prefecture
The world's first hydrogen-powered hotel opened its doors in the town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, on Wednesday. Its operator, Namie-based Date Juki, runs heavy machinery rental and freight transport services.
The town aims to spread the use of hydrogen in the community and is home to one of the world's largest hydrogen production bases.
The hotel is a detached house built next to a hydrogen station operated by Date Juki. The company hopes to attract customers by promoting the hotel as a real-life example of what a life with hydrogen as a major energy source would be like.
When the station is in operation, hydrogen is sent to the hotel's fuel cells, water heater and grill through a pipeline, providing power to all energy-related equipment at the facility. At night, when the station's operations stop, external electricity generated by renewable energy sources is used to power the hotel.
The hotel charges ¥97,000 per night, with guests limited to one group per day.
At the opening ceremony Wednesday, Namie Mayor Eiko Yoshida and other participants toured the hotel. Meat and vegetables cooked on a hydrogen-powered grill were served.
JIJI