In addition, with the future construction of a hydrogen economy in mind, the cost structure of a hydrogen station was clarified. It was shown that the hydrogen production cost, including the establishment cost of a hydrogen station, would be 120 - 70 JPY/Nm³-H₂ with an operation rate of 33% and 86 - 37 JPY/Nm³-H₂ with an operation rate of 90% when the electricity cost is assumed to be in the range of 15 - 2.5 JPY/kWh.
　Through the investigations stated above toward the widespread use of hydrogen stations, it is essential to improve the lifetime of the steam electrolysis system and reduce its cost. By studying the utilization of technological options such as usage of electrochemical pressure rising (electrochemical hydrogen pump) and energy carriers like ammonia, we propose the process of technological innovation toward cost reduction to achieve a 40 JPY/Nm³-H₂ hydrogen production cost, which is equivalent to gasoline prices.