The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the first-round selections for the GX Regional Co-Creation Subsidy program, including the new plant project in Arita Town. The subsidy is capped at approximately ¥2.8 billion, and Nippon Shokubai will build a plant to manufacture zirconia sheets for SOFC components.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the results of the first-round selections for the GX Regional Co-Creation Subsidy program and selected the construction project for a new plant planned in Arita Town. The subsidy is capped at approximately ¥2.8 billion.
The company entering the area is Nippon Shokubai, which plans to build a plant in Arita Town to manufacture zirconia sheets, a core component of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The company has achieved mass production of zirconia sheets using its proprietary technology and reportedly plans to expand the business in cooperation with nearby Kyoritsu Elex.
The plant is expected to be built after developing land near the Maehara Industrial Park in Kitanokawachi, Arita Town. The construction schedule and projected employment are under consideration. Eligible costs include approximately ¥11 billion in construction and manufacturing equipment costs, with a subsidy rate of 25%.
The GX subsidy program will provide a total of ¥210 billion over 5 years, and plans to use Kyushu Electric Power's Genkai Nuclear Power Station are also among those cited. Comments from local stakeholders have been issued following the selection, and developments are attracting attention.