Japan’s new ministerial order stipulates safety setback distance for facilities controlled under Hydrogen Society Promotion Act

On November 29, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (hereinafter 'MIC') promulgated the Ministerial Order Partially Amending Regulations Governing Hazardous Materials (MIC Order No. 103 of 2024). Under this order, facilities approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for the production or storage of high-pressure, low-carbon hydrogen and other gases pursuant to the Act on Promotion of Supply and Utilization of Low-Carbon Hydrogen and its Derivatives for Smooth Transition to a Decarbonized, Growth-Oriented Economic Structure (Law No. 37 of 2024; “Hydrogen Society Promotion Act”) must comply with the safety setback distance requirements specified in the Regulations Governing Hazardous Materials.