Toho Studios begins use of hydrogen-generated power as part of CO2 reduction

Japan's Toho Studios has begun using electricity generated by hydrogen-fired zero-emission thermal power in its first step towards eliminating CO2 emissions from its production pipeline.

The renowned studio, home to Akira Kurosawa and more recently Godzilla: Minus One, has partnered with energy supplier Jera Cross, who have begun supplying off-site commercial use electricity as of today, December 19.

According to Jera, this is Japan’s first commercial use of such electricity.

In addition to hydrogen power generation, Toho Studios has also introduced electricity sourced from Jera solar power generation facilities and, going forward, aims to supply all its electricity needs with 24/7 carbon-free energy.

Toho and Jera will draw up a roadmap for eliminating CO2 emissions from power consumption at Toho Studios and reducing CO2 emissions through the phased adoption of carbon-free energy, ultimately leading to 24/7 carbon-free energy.

In a statement, Toho president and CEO Hiro Matsuoka said: "We believe achieving carbon-free film and video production that takes the global environment into account is one of our social responsibilities as an entertainment company.

"We will continue to drive the decarbonization of our industry with the ultimate goal to produce our films and creative content using clean, 24/7 zero-emissions energy."