https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101960.html
As part of the “R&D Project for Strengthening Common Infrastructure to Expand Hydrogen Utilization,” NEDO, in collaboration with Kyoto University, will construct “BL34XU”—the world’s first dedicated beamline specializing in hydrogen energy—at SPring-8-II, the next-generation facility for the large-scale synchrotron radiation facility SPring-8.
SPring-8-II is a fourth-generation synchrotron radiation facility that will achieve the world’s highest brightness—approximately 100 times that of the current facility—and this beamline is designed to fully leverage that world-leading light performance. Its most significant feature is the ability to comprehensively analyze a single material using multiple state-of-the-art measurement techniques with differing characteristics simultaneously, all while the material is actually in operation. This process acts as a “comprehensive precision medical checkup” for materials; by observing parameters simultaneously that previously required separate instruments and sequential testing, researchers can capture the full picture of phenomena occurring inside fuel cells and water electrolysis systems during operation. By integrating AI and data science (DX) with these capabilities, analyses that previously took weeks across multiple facilities and instruments can be performed rapidly and simultaneously under identical conditions, thereby dramatically accelerating research and development.
Construction will begin in the latter half of fiscal year 2027, coinciding with the construction of SPring-8-II, with the aim of commencing operations in fiscal year 2029. Serving as a shared R&D platform for Japan’s industry, government, and academia—uniting university-based academic research, national projects, and industrial applications—this beamline contributes to resolving medium- to long-term energy issues and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Background
Hydrogen is positioned as a strategic priority for the nation from the perspectives of GX (Green Transformation) and energy security. Developing technologies such as fuel cells, water electrolysis systems, and hydrogen carriers is crucial for realizing a decarbonized society, and international competition in this field is intensifying. Japan has long led the world in fundamental academic research on fuel cells and water electrolysis, maintaining a competitive edge in intellectual property. To translate this advantage into early societal implementation, it is essential to identify a “winning strategy” that encompasses not only innovative material development but also technological advancements in manufacturing and production processes.
Achieving higher performance, greater durability, and lower costs for fuel cell and water electrolysis devices requires the precise characterization of hierarchical and heterogeneous structures—such as the nano-to-micron-scale porous structures of catalyst layers and the non-uniformity of electrode reactions. Since single measurement techniques offer limited analytical scope, there is a need for “multimodal measurement” (*1)—simultaneous measurement using multiple techniques—and “operando measurement” —measurement performed while the device is in actual operation. Furthermore, prevailing in international competition requires Digital Transformation (DX): the high-speed acquisition of vast amounts of data and its utilization through AI and data science. To meet these demands, NEDO launched this project in fiscal year 2025, and the Kyoto University hub is advancing the construction of a dedicated beamline as a core component of its development of advanced evaluation technologies.
Project Overview
This beamline (officially named the Hydrogen Energy Material Multimodal Measurement Beamline, or BL34XU) features an integrated design—spanning from the light source to the beamline itself—based on SPring-8-II specifications, thereby linking materials, devices, and manufacturing processes within a single research platform. Leveraging the high penetrating power of hard X-rays, this system enables the simultaneous measurement of the same sample under identical conditions across a broad energy range (4.5–35 keV and 100 keV). Users can select from various measurement techniques—each offering different insights—based on their specific objectives: XAFS (local structure/electronic state), XRD (crystal structure), PDF (crystalline/amorphous structure), SAXS/USAXS (nano- to hierarchical structures), HERFD-XANES/RIXS (electronic/chemical bonding states), and X-ray CT/laminography (3D imaging). This allows for the highly reliable, simultaneous capture of complex material and interface states that would be difficult to observe through individual measurements alone.
Experimental Hutch 1: Elucidating material and reaction mechanisms *in operando*
Focusing on catalysts and electrolyte membranes for fuel cells and water electrolysis devices, this hutch enables simultaneous measurements while controlling conditions such as temperature, gas composition, and electrical potential—capturing the material in its active state during reactions or degradation. By simultaneously elucidating reaction mechanisms, detecting early signs (precursor phenomena) of degradation, and identifying key performance factors, the system accelerates both material discovery and mechanistic understanding. Measurements that previously required about a month across multiple beamlines can now be completed in approximately one day, representing a roughly 30-fold increase in speed. The vast amounts of data acquired will be utilized for Materials Informatics (MI).
Experimental Hutch 2 & Extension Hutch: Bridging science and manufacturing
Manufacturing process equipment—used for kneading, coating, and drying catalyst inks for fuel cells and water electrolysis devices—as well as large-area cells and actual device components, can be brought directly to the beamline. Simultaneous SAXS/USAXS and X-ray CT/laminography measurements allow for the visualization of hierarchical structures spanning scales from 0.1 nm to 100 µm. We will elucidate the mechanisms of coating and drying processes—as well as issues such as in-plane non-uniformity and the origins of cracks—and use the findings to optimize manufacturing conditions through Process Informatics (PI).
Maximizing the potential of the world’s highest-brightness SPring-8-II
SPring-8-II is a fourth-generation synchrotron radiation facility that focuses the electron beam—which generates the synchrotron radiation—into an extremely narrow stream (achieving ultra-low emittance). It will deliver the world’s highest brightness, reaching approximately 100 times that of the current SPring-8, while also dramatically improving the beam’s coherence. This beamline will be the first dedicated beamline newly constructed for SPring-8-II. By leveraging this world-leading performance, it will enable highly challenging, high-precision measurements that were previously difficult to perform—such as high-speed scanning micro-XAFS using a focused beam in the 100-nanometer range and X-ray total scattering PDF measurements using a 100 keV “pink beam.”
Construction schedule
Construction will take place during the shutdown period associated with the upgrade to SPring-8-II (from the second half of fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2028), with operations scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2029, coinciding with the facility’s transformation into a fourth-generation synchrotron radiation source. The design and procurement of equipment are already underway, having begun sequentially in fiscal year 2025.
Future Outlook and Societal Significance
The significance of this beamline extends beyond merely adding another state-of-the-art measurement technology to the landscape. NEDO and Kyoto University are developing this beamline to serve as a shared platform for hydrogen energy R&D involving Japanese industry, government, and academia—integrating academic research, national projects, and industrial applications within a single research infrastructure. Moving forward, in addition to cutting-edge and fundamental research conducted by universities and other institutions, we will open up world-class analysis facilities—which are difficult for individual companies to establish on their own—to the industrial sector. By simultaneously providing analysis support directly linked to practical industrial challenges, we will contribute directly to shortening development times and enhancing the competitiveness of fuel cell and water electrolysis devices. Furthermore, we will invite automotive and energy companies to participate as industry advisors in the establishment of this beamline, ensuring that operations reflect real-world needs.
This beamline will serve as a long-term foundation for hydrogen energy technologies—including fuel cells and water electrolysis—going beyond the development of specific, short-term technologies. By solidifying Japan’s accumulated expertise in world-leading hydrogen technologies and utilizing this shared platform for integrated industry-academia-government R&D, Kyoto University and NEDO aim to help resolve Japan’s medium- to long-term energy issues, reduce CO2 emissions, and ultimately realize a carbon-neutral, hydrogen-based society.