Yanmar Power Solutions is advancing the development of engines that are compatible with next-generation fuels. In anticipation of future increased production volumes of marine and land-based engines, the company has acquired a site in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture.

The new plant will be used to conduct test runs of marine hydrogen engines and to reorganize and strengthen production capabilities, including those of existing plants. The new plant is scheduled to begin operations about March 2029.

In the marine industry, there are ongoing efforts to develop and commercialize decarbonization technologies with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Leveraging its expertise in engine development and production, Yanmar Power Solutions plans to develop powertrains compatible with next-generation fuels, including hydrogen, methanol and ammonia, and establish production systems to support them.

Source: Yanmar Official Release

PSR Analysis: I believe that Yanmar’s latest move indicates a shift in efforts to decarbonize marine engines from the “technology development” phase to the “production system establishment” phase. Although alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, have largely remained in the demonstration or conceptual stage, the decision to construct a dedicated factory is a step toward future commercialization. In the marine sector, in particular, there are many large-scale applications for which electrification is not a realistic alternative. It is becoming increasingly clear that the primary approach will be to switch fuels while retaining the engines themselves.

This move will likely entail more than just a technological shift; it will also require a restructuring of the supply chain. Widespread adoption of hydrogen engines requires an ecosystem involving multiple players, including fuel supply infrastructure, ship operators, and port facilities, and cannot be achieved by engine manufacturers alone.

While moves such as this, where manufacturers take the lead in establishing production systems, can be viewed as part of their positioning strategy with an eye toward future market launches, actual demand formation depends heavily on progress on the fuel supply side. Thus, decarbonization in the marine engine sector is shifting from “product competition” to “industry competition linked to infrastructure.” PSR

Akihiro Komuro, Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, in Power Systems Research

In response to the growing adoption of electric construction equipment, HD Construction Equipment has introduced South Korea’s first safety management certification system for high-voltage systems. The system is designed to educate specialists in maintaining and inspecting high-voltage batteries and electrical systems in electric excavators and other machinery.

Recognizing that the expansion of electric construction equipment requires addressing safety risks that differ from those of conventional diesel machines, the company has developed educational programs and a certification system. Certified individuals receive specialized training in handling high-voltage equipment, troubleshooting, and maintenance operations.

The company positions this initiative as part of the infrastructure development required for the expansion of the electric construction equipment market. HD Construction Equipment plans to continue fostering relevant talent and strengthening its service infrastructure.

Source: HD Construction Equipment

PSR Analysis: I think this initiative shows that South Korean construction equipment manufacturers are starting to see electrification as more than just product development. They view it as an “operation-oriented industrial infrastructure” that includes service systems and workforce development.

Electric construction machinery requires high-voltage batteries and electrical systems, so it demands different maintenance skills than conventional diesel machines. Against this backdrop, manufacturers’ move to establish a certification system reflects their intention to establish electrification in the market as a total solution that includes operation and maintenance, not as a standalone product.

In this regard, South Korean manufacturers’ approach appears to differ from that of their European and American counterparts. In Europe and the United States, service systems based on existing dealer networks are well-established, and efforts regarding electric construction machinery proceed as an extension of these frameworks.

In contrast, Korean manufacturers are proactively establishing certification systems and training programs to address the new risks associated with electrification. This proactive approach effectively mitigates operational uncertainties during the initial stages of electrification, potentially providing a competitive advantage, especially in regions with underdeveloped service infrastructure. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, at Power Systems Research

Amid rising demand during the dry season and the risk of power plant outages, concerns are mounting in the Philippines over tight electricity supplies. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has noted that prices on the Wholesale Electricity Supply Market (WESM) could increase by approximately 4 pesos per kWh.

This increase is due to a combination of factors, including high temperatures, the shutdown of some power plants, and rising fuel costs.

These conditions are also causing instability in the power supply at the regional level. For instance, Boracay’s supply capacity has not kept pace with the surge in electricity demand fueled by the tourism recovery, prompting the use of generators in some areas. Although transmission operators aim to avoid power outages through future infrastructure improvements, reliance on backup power sources continues to some extent.

Overall, the Philippine power system is in a precarious state, caught between rising demand and supply constraints. This environment creates a structure that drives up electricity costs and encourages the use of alternative power sources, such as generators.

Source: BusinessMirror, The Manila Times

PSR Analysis: What is noteworthy about this news is not the existence of the generators themselves, but rather, the manifestation of power shortages as price increases, which directly influence demand-side behavior. Generators have been used during supply shortages in the past. However, the confirmation of their use at the same time as the projected rise in WESM prices indicates that we have entered a phase where both electricity costs and supply risks are recognized simultaneously.

Of particular importance is the fact that the grid’s supply capacity is insufficient to handle even relatively predictable factors, such as the recovery of tourism demand coinciding with dry-season demand.

Under these circumstances, demand-side actors may increasingly take proactive steps to supplement their power supply, rather than passively receiving electricity based on costs and supply conditions. Though still limited in scope, in an environment where electricity price fluctuations and supply concerns occur simultaneously, this can be interpreted as a sign that generators’ role is expanding from “emergency use” to “part of supply-demand adjustment.” PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, at Power Systems Research

EcoFlow Technology Japan has announced that it launched its new “DELTA 3 2000 Air” portable power station. Positioned in the 2kWh class, the new unit combines 1,920Wh of storage capacity with a lightweight design aimed at improving portability for household backup power, vehicle use and outdoor applications. The company simultaneously released a 220W lightweight bifacial solar panel using TOPCon cells, presenting the products as a combined solution for improving energy self-sufficiency during outages and off-grid use.

Despite its relatively compact dimensions of 220 × 223 × 426 mm, the DELTA 3 2000 Air offers rated output of 1,000W with 1,500W surge capacity and dual AC outlets. EcoFlow says the unit can support essential appliances such as refrigerators, lighting, notebook PCs and communications equipment during blackouts. The product uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and is rated for about 3,000 charge-discharge cycles while retaining 70% capacity, underscoring its positioning as a long-life backup power device rather than a short-term consumer gadget.

The company also highlighted disaster-preparedness and business continuity planning (BCP) applications, noting that the system can be used for communications backup, temporary server protection and auxiliary power for medical devices in homes and small offices. Its flat handle and compact form factor are intended to make storage easier in limited spaces such as under car seats or in narrow household gaps. The newly launched 220W bifacial solar panel, weighing approximately 5.1 kg, is designed to complement the power station by enabling more autonomous power supply in disaster or outdoor settings.

Source: PR TIMES

PSR Analysis: What matters here is not simply that EcoFlow introduced another portable power station, but that the center of gravity in Japan’s backup-power market is shifting.

For years, portable generators defined emergency preparedness because they were the only realistic way to secure multi-day electricity during disasters. Now, high-capacity batteries are increasingly becoming the first product consumers buy, while engine-driven generators are being repositioned as a secondary runtime extender rather than the primary power source.

That is an important structural change. It means competition is no longer just about output or price, but about where each product sits in the household resilience stack: batteries for immediate indoor use, solar for supplemental charging, and generators for endurance once outages stretch beyond one day. In a market like Japan, where apartment living, noise sensitivity and neighborhood constraints are unusually strong, that hierarchy matters more than it would in North America or other generator-heavy markets.

The deeper implication for the power equipment industry is that this trend does not eliminate small engines, but changes the specifications under which they remain valuable. Standalone generators will gradually lose appeal in urban consumer channels, while quieter inverter units, auto-start capability, cleaner exhaust management and integration with battery systems will become more important.

In other words, the winning products may not be pure battery systems or pure generators, but hybrid ecosystems that reduce the inconvenience of engines while preserving their unique advantage: energy security as long as fuel is available.

For Japanese manufacturers, that suggests the competitive battleground is moving from simple hardware sales toward system design, usability and control logic. The companies that understand this early will be better positioned as disaster preparedness evolves from a seasonal retail category into a semi-essential household infrastructure segment. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

The tests were completed in January 2026 on the X52DF-A-1.0 engine at the Engine & Machinery Division of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI-EMD) in South Korea, witnessed by Lloyd’s Register together with representatives from major classification societies and under the supervision of EXMAR.

The 52-bore engine is scheduled to be installed on a 46,000 m3 LPG/ammonia carrier ordered for EXMAR. According to WinGD, the vessel series is expected to become the first ammonia-fueled gas carriers to enter commercial service, representing an important step in the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. The company said the development program demonstrated strong safety, reliability and performance results under a fuel pathway widely viewed as one of the more promising zero-carbon options for long-distance marine transport.

WinGD said the X-DF-A engine uses high-pressure ammonia injection with a pilot fuel dose of around 5% at full load, while delivering load handling, dynamic response and fuel efficiency comparable to equivalent diesel-fueled X-Engines in both ammonia and diesel modes. The company also said emissions results were encouraging, including NOx levels during ammonia operation that were below those generated in diesel use, alongside negligible contribution of N2O to the overall greenhouse gas emissions footprint. WinGD added that it has already secured an early orderbook of around 30 X-DF-A engines across multiple vessel segments.

Source: WinGD

Many alternative-fuel projects still sit at the concept or pilot stage. This one is different because it was executed on an engine destined for an actual commercial vessel program, under classification-society supervision and in cooperation with a yard ecosystem that can industrialize the result.

PSR Analysis: The real significance of this announcement is not the “world first” label by itself, but the fact that Korea is positioning itself around the most commercially critical bottlenecks in ammonia propulsion: engine manufacturing, class-approved testing and shipyard integration.

That matters because the next competitive phase in marine decarbonization will not be decided by who publishes the boldest fuel vision, but by who can make shipowners, charterers, insurers and financiers comfortable that the machinery can be ordered, classed, built and operated without introducing unacceptable technical risk.

The deeper industry implication is that ammonia is becoming less a pure fuel debate and more a capability race across the maritime supply chain. Korean players benefit because their strength is not limited to shipbuilding volume; they can connect engine builder, yard, equipment supplier and regulatory interface inside one coordinated industrial base.

Even so, this does not mean ammonia has already “won.” Toxicity, crew handling, pilot fuel dependence, fuel availability and bunkering economics remain major barriers, and these issues may slow adoption outside cargoes and routes where ammonia logic is especially strong. What Korea is really buying through early testing is optionality and credibility.

If ammonia scales, Korean yards are ahead. If it does not scale as quickly as hoped, they still gain by proving they can validate and industrialize whichever future-fuel platform the market ultimately rewards. That is a more durable competitive advantage than simply being first to announce a new engine. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is moving closer to launching local production in Indonesia as construction of its EV assembly plant in Subang, West Java, progresses toward operational readiness. The facility is designed with an annual production capacity of approximately 150,000 vehicles and is currently entering the final preparation stage ahead of full-scale production.

According to reports, the plant has begun trial production and manufacturing line verification as the company prepares for commercial operations. The project represents one of the largest EV manufacturing investments in Indonesia and reflects the country’s efforts to attract electric vehicle production.

Indonesia has been actively positioning itself as a regional EV manufacturing hub. The government has introduced incentives to encourage EV investment while promoting local production to build a domestic EV supply chain.

The investment also highlights the growing interest of Chinese EV manufacturers in Southeast Asia as a production base, both to serve local markets and potentially support regional exports.

Source: The Jakarta Post

PSR Analysis: One notable aspect of BYD’s investment is that Chinese EV manufacturers are beginning to reshape the geography of automotive production in Southeast Asia. For decades the region’s automotive industry developed around Japanese manufacturers, with Thailand serving as the main export base while Indonesia functioned primarily as a large domestic market.

In the EV era the dynamics are somewhat different. During the internal combustion engine period, engine technology and deeply localized supplier networks created significant barriers to entry. EVs shift the competitive focus toward batteries, electric motors, and power electronics, allowing companies with strong upstream supply chains to establish manufacturing operations in new markets more quickly.

At the same time, discussions in Europe and North America have recently pointed to a slowdown in EV demand growth. Southeast Asia may follow a different trajectory. Vehicle ownership levels remain relatively low and government EV policies are only beginning to take effect, meaning the regional EV market is still in an early expansion phase. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

Unlike a standalone portable power station, which becomes unusable once its battery runs out, or a standalone generator, which is difficult to use at night or in residential areas due to its outdoor nature, this hybrid system can store electricity generated by the generator in the portable power station. This enables quiet indoor use as needed. When the portable power source’s charge falls below a certain level, the generator automatically starts and shuts off once the unit is fully charged. This feature provides a long-term power supply without the need for cumbersome operation and supports household appliances such as refrigerators and heating equipment. The system also features a CO sensor and a safety function that automatically stops the generator during improper use. This system is expected to enhance household peace of mind in preparation for prolonged power outages caused by an increase in natural disasters in Japan.

Source: KOSHIN     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: First, I am struck by Koshin’s sharp perspective on “practical power outage countermeasures.” The company deserves credit for integrating these solutions through “automatic coordination” rather than “selective use.” Portable power stations are quiet and suitable for indoor use, but they have limited capacity. Inverter generators have an extended runtime, but they are noisy and produce exhaust.

Noteworthy is the mechanism that automatically starts the generator when power reserves are low and shuts it down once charging is complete. This design significantly reduces the psychological and operational burdens during disasters. Furthermore, the inclusion of a CO sensor demonstrates the company’s expertise as a generator manufacturer and its commitment to safety.

In discussions where renewable energy and large-scale batteries are often presented as ideal solutions, Koshin’s philosophy of supplying reliable power as long as fuel is available is extremely practical, especially considering Japan’s disaster characteristics.

Although challenges like pricing and fuel management remain, I believe this is a highly refined solution to the problem of how to survive power outages lasting several days to a week. Although explosive sales growth isn’t expected, there is undoubtedly a demand for such products. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 2026 research and development investment plan for the agricultural sector reveals a policy to allocate budget resources primarily to the “smart agriculture” field, centered on robots, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The plan aims to address structural challenges in Korean agriculture, such as an aging population and severe labor shortages, while achieving increased productivity and labor savings.

A key feature of the plan is its emphasis on developing field-implementable technologies, such as autonomous agricultural machinery, data analysis for precision farming, and unmanned pest control drones. The plan also envisions advancing the sophistication of agricultural management through the development of standalone technologies, and by establishing data integration platforms and agricultural ecosystems.

These platforms are expected to promote collaboration with agricultural machinery manufacturers, ICT companies, and startups. The government also plans to commercialize research outcomes and expand exports to enhance domestic agricultural competitiveness and create new industries. This R&D enhancement is not merely a subsidy policy but part of a long-term strategy to transform agriculture into a data-driven industry.

Source: AgTechNavigator      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: This is a short-term demand stimulus measure through subsidies, but it seems to be aimed at shifting the competitive axis for agricultural machinery from “machine performance” to “data and autonomous control” in the medium to long term.

In the Korean market, Japanese brands like Kubota and Yanmar have technological, reliability, and patent advantages, so a rapid reversal in mechanical core technology is unrealistic. However, a comeback is possible even as a latecomer in software domains such as AI control, autonomous driving, and agricultural data infrastructure.

If the government spearheads the development of smart agricultural infrastructure, domestic manufacturers could differentiate themselves with an integrated “hardware + data” model. Nevertheless, since farmers prioritize durability and asset value, a significant short-term erosion of Japanese brands’ market share is unlikely.

A more realistic scenario is that Korean manufacturers will advance their capabilities while Japanese brands localize and adapt their smart functions. Consequently, the market will likely evolve toward intensified competition in added value rather than experience sudden shifts in market share. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

In 2025, the Vietnamese motorcycle market experienced strong growth, with sales increasing by 14.9% year-on-year to approximately 3.4 million units. This made it the second-largest market in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia. Indonesia maintained its top position as the region’s largest market with 6.55 million units sold, though its growth rate was limited to 0.6%. Meanwhile, the Philippines recorded 2.37 million units (+2.8% year-over-year), Thailand recorded 1.73 million units (+9.8% year-over-year), and Malaysia recorded 613,893 units (+3.5% year-over-year).

In Vietnam, the rapid expansion of electric motorcycles is reshaping the market structure. Alongside domestic companies, Chinese firms are accelerating investment in electric motorcycles, aided by stricter environmental regulations. Hanoi’s plan to restrict internal combustion engine vehicles starting in mid-2026 is further accelerating the shift towards electric vehicles.

Amid intensifying competition, dedicated electric vehicle manufacturers are pressuring established giants. Honda, the previous market leader, experienced a modest 4.6% year-on-year increase in sales volume to 2,245,562 units, maintaining a 66.0% market share.

Meanwhile, VinFast, which is primarily focused on real estate development, experienced explosive growth. Its sales surged fivefold to 406,453 units, capturing a 12% market share and rising to second place. Other electric motorcycle manufacturers also demonstrated strong growth: Taiwan-based Dibao increased sales by 75.0%, China-based Yadea by 61.6%, and local Pega by 60.0%.

Source: VietJo    Read The Article

PSR Analysis: This news suggests that Vietnam’s motorcycle market is transitioning from a phase of mere volume recovery to one of structural transformation. The sales growth of approximately 3.4 million units, which is a 14.9% year-on-year increase, cannot be fully explained by economic recovery factors alone. The expansion of electric motorcycles is likely driving the market upward. In urban areas, overlapping factors such as environmental regulations, fuel prices, and the digital orientation of younger generations are establishing EV models as the new standard.

The entry of Chinese manufacturers intensifies price competition and strengthens their influence over upstream supply chains, such as battery procurement and power electronics. This puts pressure on Japanese and local giants, who have traditionally dominated the gasoline-powered vehicle market. However, Japanese brands still have advantages in sales networks, after-sales service, and brand trust, which limits the potential for rapid short-term shifts in market share.

The focus is shifting from “volume” to “leadership in added value.” As electrification advances, competition will shift from engine performance to battery lifespan, software control, and connectivity. If EVs become mainstream in the Vietnamese market, the country could position itself as a test market for electric motorcycles within the SE Asia. This growth should be viewed less as cyclical recovery and more as an approaching inflection point in the industrial structure. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast, for Power Systems Research

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Solutions, and Japan Engine Corporation have announced the installation of new liquefied hydrogen fuel supply equipment for demonstration purposes, as well as the start of land-based operation of marine hydrogen engines.

This is part of a project commissioned by NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund/Next-Generation Ship Development Project. Three purely domestic engine manufacturers have formed a consortium: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Solutions, and Japan Engine.

As part of the consortium’s research and development (R&D) structure, the three companies will each develop marine hydrogen engines for ships with different cruising ranges. Kawasaki Heavy Industries will develop the Marine Hydrogen Fuel System (MHFS), which consists of a marine hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system, to supply hydrogen fuel to the marine hydrogen engines.

Furthermore, HyEng, which is jointly funded by the three companies, is conducting joint research on common challenges in marine hydrogen engine development and manages shared facilities. Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) is cooperating on ship classification approval, and Iwatani Corporation is assisting with the supply of liquefied hydrogen.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries marine hydrogen engine targets small to large domestic vessels. Its single-unit output ranges from 2 to 8 MW, and up to 30 MW with multiple units installed. Development goals include achieving an average effective pressure of at least 1,600 kPa and an onshore test shaft-end output of at least 2,600 kW. The hydrogen blend ratio is 99.9% by volume and 95% or higher by heat content. A key feature of the development engine is its three EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems, which handle the steep combustion characteristics inherent to hydrogen engines.

Yanmar Power Solutions is developing two models based on marine diesel engine technology: an 800 kW medium-speed hydrogen engine that supports dual-fuel operation (hydrogen/diesel) and a 1,400 kW high-speed hydrogen engine designed for pure hydrogen combustion.

While Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yanmar Power Solutions’ marine hydrogen engines are four-stroke, Japan Engine’s engine targets a high output exceeding 5,000 kW per unit and is a low-speed, two-stroke engine that utilizes high-pressure direct injection.

For the three companies’ actual ship demonstrations of their marine hydrogen engines, it is also necessary to develop MHFS units scaled to the size of the vessels. The MHFS currently used in land-based demonstration tests is a medium-sized unit for Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ marine hydrogen engine. Going forward, development will proceed on a small MHFS for Yanmar Power Solutions and a larger MHFS for Japan Engine.

Source: NEDO

PSR Analysis: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Technology, and J-ENG have made a significant demonstration by integrating liquefied hydrogen supply equipment and marine hydrogen engines with the support of the GI (Green Innovation) Fund.

Previous discussions about hydrogen fuel ships focused solely on the engine or individual technologies. However, this project established a continuous system that covers everything from liquefied hydrogen supply to engine fuel supply and operation.

This demonstrates progress beyond merely proving the technical feasibility of hydrogen-fueled ships, reaching the level of operational viability. Liquefied hydrogen is notoriously difficult to handle, and integrating the fuel supply equipment with the engine was considered the greatest barrier. The fact that this bottleneck was overcome as a complete system is likely to be highly regarded internationally. Although the testing was conducted on land, operating the engine under conditions that simulate actual operation is a crucial milestone toward future installation on real ships. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, at Power Systems Research