Yamaha Motor to introduce hydrogen-powered aluminium melting technology at new facility

Yamaha Motor is set to establish a groundbreaking verification testing facility at its Morimachi Factory in Japan, featuring advanced melting and heat treatment furnaces powered by hydrogen gas. This ambitious project, scheduled to commence in 2025, aims to develop and validate cutting-edge technologies and methods for melting aluminium alloys using hydrogen gas. The facility will also conduct comprehensive verification tests on equipment and infrastructure.

The Japanese mobility manufacturer, Yamaha Motor plans to complete the development of these innovative technologies by the end of 2026. The company targets using hydrogen gas for aluminium alloy melting and the heat treatment of cast parts. Starting in 2027, the company intends to gradually implement these advancements at its domestic and international casting factories.

This initiative is a significant component of Yamaha Motor’s broader strategy to reduce Scope 1 CO₂ emissions throughout the lifecycle of its products. Currently, the manufacturing of cast parts for motorcycles, outboard motors, and other products relies on natural gas and other fossil fuels to generate the required thermal energy for melting aluminium alloys. By transitioning to hydrogen gas, Yamaha Motor aims to significantly minimise its carbon footprint and lead the way in sustainable manufacturing practices.

Due to the high heat requirements, Yamaha has determined that electrification is not energy-efficient for the melting process. Consequently, Yamaha Motor is exploring hydrogen energy as an alternative to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

The verification testing will investigate the effects of hydrogen gas on product quality and develop temperature control techniques using hydrogen burners. Additionally, Yamaha is considering implementing green hydrogen production and methanation equipment through joint research with Shizuoka University to produce e-methane without external heat sources. Yamaha Motor aims to develop cost-effective hydrogen gas production equipment and technologies to capture and reuse CO₂ from exhaust gases.