TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY to open in 2025 for Net Zero CO₂ Emissions

East Japan Railway Company (JR East), along with Ekimachi Energy Create Co., Ltd., and JR East Logistics Co., Ltd., is set to inaugurate “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” in late March 2025. Spanning approximately 10 hectares, this urban development project aims to become a model of sustainability, utilizing hydrogen, biogas, and a variety of renewable energy sources to create an eco-friendly environment.

TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY represents a significant progress toward sustainable urban living, with plans to achieve “net zero” CO₂ emissions from the outset. The development will implement advanced energy management systems that combine energy-saving and energy-creating measures, ensuring that the city’s energy consumption is entirely offset by renewable sources. This ambitious project also aims to incorporate circular economy practices, such as repurposing waste as a resource, contributing to the city’s overall environmental benefits.

A key component of the project is the integration of hydrogen technology. The city plans to utilize hydrogen across various sectors, including transportation and logistics. By March 2025, a hydrogen fuel cell system will be installed at Takanawa Gateway Station, providing a clean energy source for next-generation mobility solutions. In the future, the city envisions producing hydrogen on-site using renewable energy, further solidifying hydrogen’s role as a core energy source.

Ekimachi Energy Create Co., Ltd. is spearheading the energy management aspect of the project, leveraging cutting-edge environmental and energy technologies. The company is focusing on a variety of renewable energy sources, including a biogas system derived from food waste. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a hydrogen-based society, with the potential to revolutionize how energy is produced and consumed in urban environments.

Meanwhile, JR East Logistics Co., Ltd. is working on integrating sustainable practices into its logistics services. The company aims to develop a next-generation logistics platform that balances environmental considerations with flexible service delivery. This includes the establishment of an external depot in Heiwajima, Tokyo, set to open in June 2024, which will consolidate goods from outside the city for efficient distribution within TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. The use of fuel cell trucks for deliveries is also planned, which will help reduce traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions.

Additionally, the project includes a significant circular economy component. A biogas facility, the first of its kind in eastern Japan, will be installed within the city to recycle food waste from local businesses. The biogas produced will power a boiler, supplying about 10% of the hot water needs for a hotel within the development. This initiative is expected to reduce food waste by approximately 70%, showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainability.

TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY is designed to be a forward-thinking urban environment, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. The project’s comprehensive approach to energy management, hydrogen utilization, and circular economy practices positions it as a potential model for future urban developments.