At the Institute for Aqua Regeneration of Shinshu University,
we have positioned ourselves in the interdisciplinary field of Aqua Regeneration (ARG)—which focuses on global environmental restoration centered on water,
such as the water circulation (i.e., purification and reuse) and water-derived hydrogen energy—and are striving to strengthen research in this field.
Through our research capabilities in this field,
we are further promoting it by gathering researchers from all over the country and the world to function as a global research hub.
What is Aqua Regeneration?
Actions for sustainability on a Water Planet Earth
The Earth, the planet of water, is facing many challenges. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safe drinking water, and by 2030, the world’s water supply could fall 40% short of demand. In Japan, water issues are not very familiar to people, but as indicated by SDG 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all), the water issue is extremely serious for the world.
Furthermore, in order to avoid the risk of climate change associated with rising temperature, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are the cause of rising temperature, is an urgent task. We are focusing our attention on green hydrogen energy, which does not produce CO2 as a replacement for energy from fossil fuels, and we are calling for progress to be made in efforts to invest in developing infrastructure and increasing the supply of hydrogen to reduce the cost of hydrogen.
In this way, we are positioning Aqua Regeneration as a sustainable mechanism to permanently provide the water and water-derived green hydrogen energy in a cyclical manner, with local production for local consumption, and to support life, a fulfilling lifestyle for people and industry.
Institute for Aqua Regeneration
Change the world through water research!
Aqua Regeneration unleashes the potential of water
To realize Aqua Regeneration, Shinshu University has positioned various fields related to global environmental restoration centered on water, such as water circulation (i.e., purification and reuse) and the creation and use of water-derived hydrogen energy, as the “Aqua Regeneration” field, and has strengthened its research capabilities in this field. To further promote research excellence, creative innovation, and local contributions in an integrated manner, Shinshu University recently established the Institute for Aqua Regeneration (ARG), a research organization, based on the university’s world-class advanced materials research related to water circulation and water-derived hydrogen energy.
In cooperation with local governments and the industrial sector, we are also establishing a demonstration town that utilizes circular, locally produced and locally consumed water and water-derived hydrogen energy and other related technologies to support prosperous lifestyle and industries. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to the achievement of both global environmental restoration and economic growth.
Shinshu University has established a system to promote research from a global perspective, focusing on cutting-edge materials research related to water purification and water-derived hydrogen energy, in which the university has a world-class track record. In cooperation with local governments and the industrial sector, we are also establishing a demonstration town that utilizes circular, locally produced and locally consumed water and water-derived hydrogen energy and other related technologies to support prosperous lifestyle and industries. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to the achievement of both global environmental restoration and economic growth.
In the future, we will establish a new graduate school for water-related majors, accept researchers and students with needs from countries with serious water problems, engage in international cooperation and human resource development, and implement solutions on a global scale while maintaining a local focus, such as demonstrating research results in a demonstrating town to be established in Nagano Prefecture.
“Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)” by MEXT
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)” is a parallel program to the University Fund’s support for International Excellence Research Universities in order to improve Japan’s overall research capabilities and promote new value creation. International Excellence Research Universities aim to be world-class in all fields, while Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities aim to be world-class in specific research fields.
Shinshu University has been selected for J-PEAKS and is working on various projects under the 10-year vision of “a university that co-creates solutions one step ahead with research capabilities in Aqua Regeneration at its core.”
Director's Message
We provide solutions that contribute to Earth positively, based on our cutting-edge research on water and hydrogen.
The various imbalances on Earth are now beginning to have a profound impact on life on Earth. This is expressed in the term “planetary boundary” and it has reached its limit. In other words, “the Earth is crying out.” In order to restore the Earth to its original state, we must concentrate the wisdom of humanity. In this context, “water” is at the core of the planetary boundary. Water is the origin of all things and the source of life. As scientist and engineers, we founded the Institute for Aqua Regeneration to seriously address the issue of water, which has protected every and sustained life on Earth. Our institute creates water and water-derived hydrogen, to understand and utilize them in depth and to build a new sustainability. We also offer unique solutions to achieve the SDGs. We are committed to contributing to the realization of an earth-positive society that brings smile to people around the world.
Director of the Institute for Aqua Regeneration
Teshima Katsuya
From research to social implementation based in Nagano, Matsumoto, and Iida
With bases at the Matsumoto and Nagano (Engineering) campuses , we promote research in the field of ARG as a core center equipped with state-of-art research facilities and knowledge in collaboration with relevant organizations.
Furthermore, we will install hydrogen panels on land at the S-BIRD, an industrial promotion base in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, and are promoting research and development and social implementation through industry-academia-government co-creation.
