Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Opportunities for Economic Growth in Japan

A sustainable society literally means a society where citizens use as their primary energy source fuel produced primarily from renewable energy and use less fossil fuels. There is a need to establish a policy that will promote the development of renewable sources of methane and hydrogen for multiple applications, creating the foundations for a society where citizens can enjoy sustained economic growth, energy security, and environmental well-being. This paper will examine the challenges solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology might encounter, the potential economic opportunities it might enjoy if the sustainable society policy succeeds, and recommends the policy be fully integrated with other initiatives that would promote economic growth, more efficient communities, and a cleaner environment. The solid oxide fuel cell technology should prosper in a society which utilizes renewable sources of methane which the SOFC can internally reform with the lowest possible emissions.