Heat and resource transition in Japanese and German industry

The efficient use of resources and the introduction of sustainable production methods are among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which both Japan and Germany have committed themselves.

Process heat is required in many industries to generate steam for melting and drying processes, for electroplating, pasteurization or for thermal separation processes. How can these amounts of heat be provided in a carbon-neutral manner in the future? This is one of the biggest challenges for the industry in Germany as well as in Japan. In addition, resources must be used efficiently by closing material, water or heat cycles.

How do German and Japanese industrial companies plan to convert their heat supply to "net zero"? What technologies are available for supplying factories with "green" heat? Where can valuable resources be saved? How can Germany and Japan learn from each other’s processes?

Experts from German and Japanese business and politics discussed this topic in front of around 120 participants at the 17th German-Japanese Business Forum at HANNOVER MESSE:

• Dr Bernhard Kluttig, Head of Industrial Policy Department, Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, BMWK
• Kazuchika Iwata, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
• Prof. Dr. Hubertus Bardt, Managing Director, Cologne Institute for Economic Research
• Stefan Knauf, Division Manager, FA Industrial Automation Systems, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
• Kazuo Nakashima, General Manager, Robot Revolution & Industrial IoT Initiative (RRI)
• Dr. Eng. Yutaka Sata, Corporate Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Toshiba Corporation
• Ingo Sawilla, Coordinator Datagovernance / Datasecurity, Trumpf Werkzeugmaschien SE
• Masaaki Sugimoto, Co-Founder, Elephantech Inc.

The exchange of ideas and best practices on the way to a more resource-efficient industry was extremely inspiring. It has become clear that a joint dialogue can drive innovation and have a significant impact on global efforts for more sustainability.

The 17th German-Japanese Business Forum was organised by Deutsche Messe, ECOS and the German-Japanese Business Association (DJW).

Program (German/Japanese)

Event website:
https://www.hannovermesse.de/event/17-deutsch-japanisches-wirtschaftsforum/for/107216

Event recording:
Registered trade fair visitors can access the recording of the event on the Hannover Messe website here:
https://www.hannovermesse.de/veranstaltung/17-deutsch-japanisches-wirtschaftsforum/for/107216