Ricky Sakai

As world and industry leaders recently explored in Egypt at COP27, the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, the production of green hydrogen also has to be cost-effective to make a meaningful difference in the energy transition. Achieving both criteria requires more sophistication than just building a bigger electrolyzer. That’s what led Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to invest in Electric Hydrogen (EH2), a startup in Natick, Massachusetts innovating efficiencies in this… Show more

As world and industry leaders recently explored in Egypt at COP27, the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, the production of green hydrogen also has to be cost-effective to make a meaningful difference in the energy transition. Achieving both criteria requires more sophistication than just building a bigger electrolyzer. That’s what led Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to invest in Electric Hydrogen (EH2), a startup in Natick, Massachusetts innovating efficiencies in this centuries-old process. Show less

Hydrogen is a clean candidate to replace coal in energy-intensive industrial applications such as steel and cement production. Decarbonizing them will move the needle substantially when it comes to emissions. But these solutions require producing hydrogen at scale economically. And that remains a challenge – for now.

In preparation for the Hydrogen Summit, Rob Arthur, Business Development Manager at Sustainable Energy Council, interviewed Ricky Sakai, Vice President of New Business Development at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, on his observations, expectations, and predictions related to the growing role of hydrogen in the region.

Collaborations between large enterprises and startups are critical, and they offer tremendous potential for all sides. Small companies are capable of moving nimbly and innovating in ways that are often difficult for large companies, especially in fast-growing markets. On the other hand, multinational corporations have expertise in commercializing and scaling their offerings, with well-established access to mature markets around the world.

Today is made for energy tech scouts. Increasing urgency to address climate change is driving more money than ever into climate-related technologies. Global investments in the energy transition grew to $500 billion in 2020, up 9% year over year, even in the face of the pandemic.

As a young man, I wanted to see the world and be inspired by new cultures. So with a full backpack, an open mind and lots of curiosity, I set off across Asia and Europe, leaving behind the familiarity of Kyoto, the very traditional Japanese city I called home. This was the first of many trips overseas.