LAVO has established a subsidiary in Tokyo, creating a local base for its activities in Japan. The move reflects Japan’s importance as one of LAVO’s target markets for long-duration energy storage and was supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG).
Founded in Sydney in 2020, LAVO develops energy storage systems based on hydrogen stored in metal hydrides. The technology is intended for applications where energy may need to be retained over days or weeks, including resilient power for remote infrastructure and facilities requiring extended backup.
A local platform for collaboration
The Tokyo subsidiary gives LAVO a closer connection to Japanese organisations assessing alternatives to diesel generation. Initial activity will focus on market development, technical engagement and identifying applications suited to long-duration storage.
LAVO’s systems are designed to complement lithium-ion batteries rather than compete with them. Batteries are well suited to fast response and storage measured in hours, while hydrogen can address longer periods of energy demand. Combining the technologies can help projects match the storage medium to the duration required.
Connecting Australian development with Japan
LAVO’s technology ecosystem brings together fuel cells supplied by the Netherlands-based Nedstack, electrolysers from Germany’s Enapter and industrial design by Sydney consultancy Design + Industry.
The Tokyo presence is an important step in building relationships around this international supply chain. Technical specifications, deployment schedules and prospective project partners will be announced only after relevant assessments and publication approvals have been completed.