Poland and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance collaboration in the field of hydrogen production. The Memorandum was signed by the Minister of Climate and Environment of Poland, Anna Moskwa, and the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, Yasutoshi Nishimura. The agreement aims to deepen cooperation in the production of low-emission hydrogen and the development of sustainable and affordable supply chains for hydrogen in the areas of energy, transport, heating, and industry.

Minister Anna Moskwa stated that the agreement will increase Japanese companies’ interest in hydrogen investments in Poland and the broader European region. She added that hydrogen can play a significant role in the equitable transformation of European economies and contribute to a significant reduction in emissions. Poland is already one of the world’s leading hydrogen production countries, with an annual production of about 1.3 million tonnes. With the signing of this memorandum, Poland intends to play an active role in the development of the global hydrogen economy, which is expected to reach a value of $220.37 billion by 2028.

The agreement also paves the way for Poland to take advantage of Japan’s expertise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Such technologies will provide energy security and ensure energy sovereignty, which is critical in the current context. The two ministers discussed several issues during their meeting, including the impact of the war in Ukraine on energy markets, the reconstruction of Ukraine, and the current challenges in decarbonisation and the development of renewable energy sources.

The memorandum is a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between Poland and Japan on innovative solutions for nuclear energy development, including the joint HTGR reactor development project. The project is being carried out by the National Nuclear Research Centre in cooperation with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

The signing of the memorandum marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Poland and Japan. The agreement paves the way for deeper collaboration in the hydrogen economy, which will be critical in achieving a low-carbon future. The cooperation will not only bring economic benefits to both countries, but it will also contribute to addressing the global challenge of climate change.