Yoshinori Kenehana - Chairman of the Board, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd

Yoshinori Kenehana of Kawasaki Heavy Industries discusses the future of energy in Asia, focusing on hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels. The discussion emphasizes the need for cost reduction in hydrogen production through government subsidies and technological innovation, particularly in electrolyzers. Kenehana highlights Japan's shift from traditional heavy manufacturing to lighter industries like AI and robotics. He details Kawasaki's focus on developing a liquefied hydrogen supply chain to address Asia's growing energy demands. The conversation touches upon the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act in Japan, which supports hydrogen adoption. Kenehana mentions the potential for renewable energy sources, like those in the Middle East, to contribute to hydrogen production. He anticipates hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future, though acknowledges this is the most challenging application. Ana Blanquart inquires about hydrogen's mainstream adoption and infrastructure readiness in Asia. Kawasaki is focusing on hydrogen-powered vehicles and aircraft.