The Hydrogen Solution Series

Japan is regarded as the global leader in innovating, researching, and producing carbon-free green hydrogen, an alternative fuel that is produced with low-carbon electricity sources such as wind or sun.  As the first country to adopt plans for a “Hydrogen Society,” which is a society that uses hydrogen as a major source of power, Japan continues to lead this global effort to mainstream hydrogen as a clean-energy solution.

Globally, green hydrogen is receiving increased interest as the clean energy of the future, primarily based on its range of uses that solve problems other clean-energy sources can’t address, such as energy needed in heavy manufacturing and long-distance travel of large vehicles.

Join us for two informative discussions with leading experts who will look at current projects and future opportunities related to Japan’s efforts in creating a robust global hydrogen energy sector, fueling the vision of a clean “Hydrogen Society.”

Part 1: The Hydrogen Solution: Japan’s leadership in building a Hydrogen Society
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (PST)

Japan continues to push the envelope in technological development needed to harness the tremendous power of the smallest molecule. Since 2017, when Japan first adopted plans for a “Hydrogen Society,” the nation has made many globally significant advances and innovations in the research, production, and application, of green hydrogen.

Join us as we discuss current green hydrogen projects in development, as well as the many ways Japan is using hydrogen to diversify and strengthen its energy infrastructure.  This includes the 2020 opening of the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, the world’s largest green hydrogen energy field.

Speakers:
・Eiji Ohira: Director General, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Group within the Advanced Battery and Hydrogen Technology Department, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
・Jeff Simmons: Senior Vice President & General Manager, Marketing & Sales Operations, Toshiba America Energy Systems Corp.

This program is co-presented by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

Part 2: The Hydrogen Solution: Los Angeles' green energy goals and collaboration from Japan
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST)

The State of California and the City of Los Angeles have established world-leading environmental mandates to transition from fossil fuels and replace them with renewable energy, with green hydrogen playing a critical role.

Join us as we explore real-world cases studies, including that of Los Angeles, where hydrogen technology is being deployed to help meet ambitious emissions goals, while potentially fostering the creation of an entirely new and green energy sector and industry.

Speakers:
・Lauren Faber O’Connor: Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Los Angeles
・Peter J. Sawicki: Regional Director, Sales and Marketing, Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc.
・Craig Scott: GM of Electrified Vehicle & Technology Office, Toyota Motor North America

This program is co-presented by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, and Japan America Society of Southern California.

Registration for both webinars can be done here: https://japanhousela.swoogo.com/hydrogen-society-and-Japan

		Eiji OHIRA Director General, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Group within the Advanced Battery and Hydrogen Technology Department, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Eiji Ohira is the Director General of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)’s Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Group within the Advanced Battery and Hydrogen Technology Department. In this capacity, he is responsible for the overall strategy, execution and coordination of NEDO’s research, development and demonstration project on fuel cell and hydrogen. He has also coordinated fuel cell and hydrogen activities with international stakeholders through  the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Program (IEA TCP: Advanced Fuel Cell & Hydrogen), and International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE). He joined the NEDO in 1992, just after graduation from the Tokyo University of Science. He served as a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1997-1998. Before taking up the current position in April 2013, he served in several positions, including Representative at NEDO’s Asian Representative Office, and Director of the Energy Storage Technology Division.
		Jeff Simmons Senior Vice President & General Manager, Marketing & Sales Operations, Toshiba America Energy Systems Corp. Jeff Simmons is a member of Toshiba’s executive leadership team. He leads Toshiba America Energy System Corp.’s new product marketing and sales organization and is also responsible for its corporate and business development activities. TAES’s new products include energy-based systems that Toshiba Corporation, TAES’s Tokyo-based parent, produces for the North American markets. These products include traditional power systems (nuclear, hydro and thermal), new power generation technology (advanced turbine systems, hydrogen production and fuel cell systems, and batteries), power transmission and distribution systems, and nuclear technology-based heavy ion radiotherapy and superconducting magnet and refrigeration systems. Jeff brings 29 years of energy industry experience to Toshiba’s businesses in the Americas, and he is based in TAES’s West Allis, Wisconsin headquarters. Originally from Kentucky, Jeff holds a BS in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. He is also a graduate of the executive leadership program at the University of Texas at Dallas. Jeff and his wife Kathlene and their five children reside in Dallas. Jeff is active various philanthropic organizations, the SIU and SMU alumni associations, and is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorary Society, the American Nuclear Society, and the Particle Therapy Co-Operation Group of North America.

		Lauren Faber O’Connor Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Los Angeles Lauren Faber O'Connor is the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Los Angeles. In her role as Deputy CSO she drove the implementation of the Sustainable City pLAn, released in April 2015, which puts forth an actionable vision for transforming LA's environment, economy and equity. Working across every city department, Lauren focuses on strategic integration of the pLAn's pillars in order to reach the City's ambitious climate and clean energy goals, ensure benefits accrue to all communities in LA, and pursue regional and international collaborations. Prior to joining the Garcetti Administration, Lauren served for four years as the West Coast Political Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in San Francisco. At EDF she worked on building successful strategies and constructive partnerships to win support on innovative approaches to protecting and promoting climate, clean energy, land, water and wildlife. In 2010 Lauren was appointed to Assistant Secretary for Climate Change Programs at the California Environmental Protection Agency, where she was dedicated to the design and implementation of California’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act. Prior to her work at CalEPA, Lauren served as senior director for Lighthouse Consulting Group in Washington, D.C., where she advised on comprehensive national climate change and energy strategies for domestic and international companies, and non-government organizations, and in particular, the U.S. Climate Action Partnership. From 2005-2009 Lauren served at the British Embassy as the Senior Policy Advisor for climate change and energy. Lauren sits on the Board of the California League of Conservation Voters, is a member of the Catto Fellowship for environmental leadership at the Aspen Institute, and a member of the Truman National Security Project Political Partnership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Systems and Economics from Stanford University, and a Master’s degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University.
		Peter. J. Sawicki Regional Director, Sales and Marketing, Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc.   Peter Sawicki is the Regional Director for Sales and Marketing – Pacific West at Mitsubishi Power Americas, a major equipment supplier and energy solutions provider for the power industry. Peter is based in San Diego, CA and is responsible for Mitsubishi Power’s sales and marketing activities on the West Coast. Peter has over 25 years of experience in the power industry with roles in design engineering, project management, project development and sales. Peter earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and his MBA Finance from Fordham University.
		Craig Scott GM of Electrified Vehicle & Technology Office, Toyota Motor North America   Mr. Scott is GM/Director of Electrified Vehicles & Technology Office, Corporate Strategy & Planning at Toyota Motor North America. Within his role, Craig is responsible for managing the planning and development of alternative fuel vehicle programs including the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle and heavy duty commercial programs such as the Hino and Kenworth Class 8 trucks - the world’s first OEM-produced Class 8 vehicle. Previously he managed vehicle programs including Prius, Scion iQ EV and the Toyota i-Road urban mobility vehicle. In addition to vehicle development, Craig also oversees all US hydrogen infrastructure planning and implementation activities.  He is responsible for the development of proprietary research work related to global energy issues and sustainable transportation systems. Prior to Toyota, Craig was an assistant portfolio manager with Pacific Investment Management Company in Newport Beach, CA. Mr. Scott has a BS in Finance and Japanese Studies and a MBA in Strategy and Finance from the University of Southern California.