Air Products, Nippon agree to develop hydrogen fuels market in Japan

LEHIGH VALLEY -- Air Products and Nippon Steel & Sumikin Pipeline & Engineering jointly announced the signing of an agreement signifying the intent of the two companies to work together on Japan's developing hydrogen fueling infrastructure market. 

The agreement also discusses the objective of finalizing a long term marketing and supply relationship agreement between the United States and Japan based companies.

"This agreement is an important step for both Air Products and NSPE in gaining entrance to Japan's hydrogen fueling market. Japan is being progressive in their intent to develop a hydrogen fueling infrastructure and is one of the early markets where automobile manufacturers have announced plans to deploy vehicles. 

“We are pleased to be working with NSPE and greatly value their engineering and operations expertise, as well as their knowledge of the Japan markets.  Combined with our leadership and experience in this field, together we can meet this developing market's needs with proven technology," said Ed Kiczek, Global Business Director - Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. 

Kiczek added that Air Products has operated in Japan since 1970, and will work through its established wholly owned subsidiary, Air Products Japan, on hydrogen fueling opportunities.