Akihiro Hara

My main responsibility is product development for liquid Hydrogen turbines. To transport large amounts of Hydrogen, it must be cooled to -253°C to become liquid Hydrogen. This is because if it remains in gas form, it takes up a large volume and is inefficient to transport. Liquid Hydrogen turbines are used in the process of cooling and liquefying Hydrogen. In my previous job, I was involved in steam turbine design, where I gained knowledge of rotating machinery and gas machinery. You are making use of them. At the same time, I am also involved in the development of a liquid Hydrogen pump with other members, including Mr. Ikeda.

Creating a product that is highly reliable and performs well in an unknown environment such as -253°C is a challenging task. However, you can learn a lot and be exposed to cutting-edge technology, which is a big attraction. As we move forward, various technical challenges arise, but when they do, we try to get to the root of the problem. Also, there are few things that you can solve on your own, so it is important to get others involved. In that respect, it's great that the team is flat and you can ask your superiors questions as much as you want. "You don't even know that?" No one ever says that to me, and everyone teaches each other regardless of their career or age.

When it comes to Hydrogen infrastructure equipment, EBARA is the name to go to. I would like to be heard in this way in Japan and around the world. As an engineer, I would also like to continue to accumulate knowledge so that we can become a group of liquid Hydrogen experts. What makes this company unique is that it is constantly challenging itself in new fields with an eye to the distant future. I don't want that tradition to change. That is why it is important for us to achieve results in the Hydrogen business, which is one of our "new fields." Because EBARA's business is so diverse, we have people with a wide range of experience. The biggest attraction is that we respect each other and can exchange opinions on an equal footing. It's a good environment for people who want to grow.