The people powering hydrogen research

Business

3 Jul

By Chris Marshall

**Award winner Aya Inagaki at the Halcyon Power Ltd hydrogen plant at Mōkai.**

Japanese company Obayashi Corporation – a joint venture partner with Mōkai-based Tūaropaki Trust in the country’s first megawatt scale green hydrogen production plant – has taken top spot in two award categories in the Aotearoa Hydrogen Awards 2025.

The two employees of Obayashi Corporation recognised for their contributions to the hydrogen energy sector were Kenichi Ando, senior managing executive officer and head of green energy division of Obayashi Corporation, who won the Person of the Year Award.

Aya Inagaki, manager of the corporation’s overseas projects department in its green energy division, won the Future Hydrogen Leader Award.

Inagaki is based in Taupō as head of operations at the Halcyon Power Ltd plant.

She has been focusing on green hydrogen production and distribution projects in collaboration with Tūaropaki Trust for more than five years and since 2023, has also served as a board member of the New Zealand Hydrogen Council, continuing her efforts to promote the development of a hydrogen sector in New Zealand.

The award citation recognises her dedication to innovation and her leadership in shaping the future of hydrogen energy.

Inagaki said she was delighted the group’s work on hydrogen in Taupō has been recognised.

“Compared to six years ago, we’re now seeing new hydrogen demand emerge, including vehicles and generators, along with advances in research and development. I look forward to continuing this journey together with likeminded people in New Zealand.”

Ando has spearheaded efforts since 2016 to develop a concept for green hydrogen production using geothermal power and his collaboration with the land-based Trust, resulted in the establishment of Halcyon Power Ltd. In 2024, he also oversaw the launch of New Zealand's first green hydrogen fast refuelling station at Wiri, contributing to the development of a green hydrogen supply chain.

The awards were run in conjunction with the third H2 2 ZERO Summit organized by the New Zealand Hydrogen Council in Wellington, in late May, with 46 nominees competing across six categories.

It’s not the first award related to the joint venture between Tūaropaki Trust and Obayashi.

In 2023 Halcyon Power won the inaugural Industry Impact Award at that year’s H2 2 Zero Summit in recognition of its contribution to the use of hydrogen in industrial applications and development of collaborative partnerships.

The same year the trust won the Our People Award which recognises an organisation that connects, empowers and creates opportunity for its people through kaitiakitanga (guardianship or stewardship), knowledge, skills and understanding.

The summit serves as a platform for government officials, industry leaders, and researchers from around the world to exchange insights, share experiences, and showcase innovations from real-world projects aimed at building a low-carbon society powered by hydrogen.

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