The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Friday set up a private-public panel to explore ways to promote greater use of hydrogen to meet the nation's energy needs.
Addressing the media at the panel's inaugural meeting at City Hall, Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe said its main task will be to help create a society that makes daily use of hydrogen energy. The main goal for now appears to be preparing for the launch of fuel cell cars next year.
"For the wide acceptance of fuel-cell vehicles, there are difficult tasks such as setting up hydrogen fuel stations," Masuzoe said. "We have to act now to help develop the full potential of the energy."