BROTHER INDUSTRIES,LTD. signed an agreement with Tokyo’s Chuo Ward on the use of hydrogen fuel cells during disasters and installed one of its fuel cell systems at the Chuo City Public Health Center. A backup power supply system has been established for disasters, with emergency communications equipment and printers among the intended applications.
BROTHER INDUSTRIES,LTD. announced on 20 October 2026 that it had signed an agreement with Tokyo’s Chuo Ward on the use of hydrogen fuel cells during disasters and other emergencies. Under the agreement, the company’s fuel cell system was installed at the Chuo City Public Health Center for use as an emergency power source.
The installed fuel cell has an output of 3.0kW and a hydrogen capacity of 10.8Nm3 (equivalent to 8 cartridges). It can supply 12kWh of electricity when fully charged with hydrogen, using green hydrogen produced and delivered from facilities in the Nagoya area.
The intended loads during disasters include communications radios, printers, public-address equipment, TVs and radios. Power can also be supplied to evacuation shelter sites using cable reels and similar equipment. Charging for evacuees is not currently planned.
BROTHER INDUSTRIES,LTD. has been developing hydrogen fuel cell systems since 2013 and launched its hydrogen brand, “PureEne,” in 2023. The system features highly safe hydrogen-absorbing alloy cartridges that can be transported and replaced by people who are not qualified specialists.
The company has obtained certification under Tokyo’s Green Hydrogen Priority Use Operator Certification Program for 2 consecutive years since 2025. The hydrogen is also used for applications including charging autonomous mobility systems at JR Takanawa Gateway Station.