The move is part of efforts to demonstrate the importance of sustainability in this year’s competition, which will see athletes from across the world taking part in the sporting events.

Hydrogen emits no CO2 when it is burned and could play a part in achieving a low-carbon economy. Tokyo 2020 has already deployed around 500 hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles for the Games.

While many auto manufacturers are staking the future of their sector on electric vehicles, Japan’s Toyota has been the main proponent for hydrogen-powered cars with their Mirai range.

Tokyo 2020 organisers are aiming to offset all carbon emissions generated during the Games and also use the Olympics to boost awareness of environmental issues in Japan.

It described the use of hydrogen for the torch as “symbolic” and said it would be sourced from a production facility powered by renewable energy in Namie-Machi, Fukushima Prefecture.

“During its preparations for the Games, Tokyo 2020 has consistently promoted energy conservation and the use of renewable energy with the aim of supporting the realisation of a carbon-neutral society,” the organisers said in a statement.

Other initiatives to cut the environmental impact of the Games include beds made from recyclable cardboard in the athletes’ village; Olympic medals made from recycled consumer electronics, and the special torches themselves, which are formed of aluminium waste.

The torch relay begins in Fukushima on March 26 2020 and will visit all 47 of Japan’s prefectures ahead of the July 24 opening ceremony.

In September last year, Intel said it plans to demonstrate a variety of new technologies at the competition, including VR training, 3D athlete tracking and facial recognition systems, all underpinned by 5G technology.

The move is part of efforts to demonstrate the importance of sustainability in this year’s competition, which will see athletes from across the world taking part in the sporting events.

Hydrogen emits no CO2 when it is burned and could play a part in achieving a low-carbon economy. Tokyo 2020 has already deployed around 500 hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles for the Games.

While many auto manufacturers are staking the future of their sector on electric vehicles, Japan’s Toyota has been the main proponent for hydrogen-powered cars with their Mirai range.

Tokyo 2020 organisers are aiming to offset all carbon emissions generated during the Games and also use the Olympics to boost awareness of environmental issues in Japan.

It described the use of hydrogen for the torch as “symbolic” and said it would be sourced from a production facility powered by renewable energy in Namie-Machi, Fukushima Prefecture.

“During its preparations for the Games, Tokyo 2020 has consistently promoted energy conservation and the use of renewable energy with the aim of supporting the realisation of a carbon-neutral society,” the organisers said in a statement.

Other initiatives to cut the environmental impact of the Games include beds made from recyclable cardboard in the athletes’ village; Olympic medals made from recycled consumer electronics, and the special torches themselves, which are formed of aluminium waste.

The torch relay begins in Fukushima on March 26 2020 and will visit all 47 of Japan’s prefectures ahead of the July 24 opening ceremony.

In September last year, Intel said it plans to demonstrate a variety of new technologies at the competition, including VR training, 3D athlete tracking and facial recognition systems, all underpinned by 5G technology.