Career Education Event for Soma City Nittaki Elementary School at Soma IHI Green Energy Center (SIGC)
On June 26, 2025, IHI conducted a career education event for students of Soma City Nittaki Elementary School at the Soma IHI Green Energy Center (SIGC)*1, in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture. This initiative is part of a broader career education program of Soma city for local elementary schools. Its aim is to inspire students by providing opportunities to visit local businesses, learn about various professions, and envision their future careers. IHI has welcomed students every year, and this marked the fourth edition of the program, with 17 sixth-grade students taking part.
The Soma IHI Green Energy Center (SIGC) is a facility jointly operated by IHI and Soma City. It is dedicated to promoting local production and consumption of renewable energy with solar power, as well as conducting demonstration research on hydrogen utilization technologies. To help students gain a deeper understanding of SIGC’s activities, renewable energy, hydrogen, and the related science and technologies, the event is divided in two parts: an introductory session, followed by a guided tour of the facility.
The opening session featured IHI’s energy conservation efforts, renewable energy strategies, and innovative approaches to CO₂ utilization, all aimed at addressing global warming and reducing emissions. Students were also introduced to SIGC’s advanced facilities and real-world applications of hydrogen technology.
*1 Please see the following press release for an overview of SIGC
https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2018/other/1190445_1626.html
In the SIGC facility tour, students were given explanations of the facility’s advanced equipment through interactive quizzes. This equipment included a system that produces hydrogen using solar-generated electricity, a methanation equipment that converts hydrogen into synthetic methane for city gas, and emergency fuel cells for use during disasters.
A highlight was the emergency fuel cell demonstration, where students experienced and witnessed hydrogen-powered electricity generation in action. They observed the sound of hydrogen flowing through the pipes and watched streetlights illuminate. This hands-on experience helped students appreciate how green hydrogen from renewable sources can be a lifeline in times of crisis.
The Q&A session was marked by energetic and diverse questions from the students, who were curious about everything from the number of solar panels at SIGC to the rewarding and challenging aspects of working there.
To conclude the program, students presented their own energy-saving efforts, encouraging thoughtful discussion on how to combat global warming and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Moving forward, IHI will continue to promote understanding of its business and support the development of future talent through initiatives like this program.