Hydrogen-based energy technologies using fuel cells are promising environmentally- compatible technologies for this century. In Japan, fuel cell vehicles have been pre-commercialized since 2002, and thousands of fuel cell co-generation systems are now been demonstrated in various locations. For their commercialization, however, various scientific as well as engineering problems should be solved. Fundamentals on materials and system engineering in hydrogen-related technologies should be established to ensure the safety and reliability of energy systems for hydrogen production, storage, utilization, as well as their integration technologies

As one of the 21st Century COE (Center-of-Excellence) Programs, “Integration Technology of Mechanical Systems for Hydrogen Utilization”, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, we are establishing a comprehensive research center in our new university campus, “ITO campus”, opened since October 2005. More than 100 researchers and technical staffs are now involved in Hydrogen Project within this university. The experimental facilities of Hydrogen Technology Research Center are open for university researchers, with advanced safety infrastructures for experimental research using hydrogen. R&D for fuel cells, hydrolysis, hydrogen storage and supply, hydrogen sensing and safety are the major research activities.