FY2026 Promotion Project for Decarbonization of Industrial Vehicles — Fuel-Cell Forklift Conversion Promotion Project (CO2 Emission Reduction Subsidy)

①Overview: This is the FY2026 CO2 Emission Reduction Subsidy administered by the Hokkaido Environmental Foundation under an entrustment from the Ministry of the Environment. It subsidizes operators that introduce Fuel-Cell Forklifts (FC Forklifts) in order to promote low-carbon hydrogen utilization and contribute to reducing energy-origin CO2 emissions. Applicants must show the calculation basis for projected CO2 reductions, and must report actual reduction results for a defined period after project completion. ②Eligible applicants: (1) private companies including leasing/rental businesses, (2) local governments, (3) Independent Administrative Agencies as defined in Article 2(1) of the Act on General Rules for Independent Administrative Agencies, (4) general/public incorporated associations and foundations, (5) corporations established directly by law, and (6) other entities recognized by the Foundation with the consent of the Minister of the Environment. In joint implementation all participating entities must qualify; the representative business operator files on behalf of all parties and receives the grant. ③Eligible expenses and content: Expenses necessary to introduce a new FC Forklift in Japan and approved by the Foundation — defined as an in-plant industrial vehicle driven by an electric motor powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, with no internal-combustion engine. Battery-electric forklifts are NOT eligible. When the applicant procures from itself, only manufacturing cost (excluding profit) may be counted. Projects already receiving other national subsidies are excluded. CO2 reduction calculation must use the prescribed Hard-Measure Calculation File (Form D for transport equipment). ④Rate, ceiling, schedule, and application points: The subsidy rate is 1/2 of the price difference vs an equivalent engine-powered forklift (1/3 if the applicant received an MOE subsidy by FY2020); ceiling is JPY 5.5 million per unit. The public solicitation runs from 21 May 2026 (Thu) to 27 November 2026 (Fri) 18:00. Project period: from notice of grant decision until 26 February 2027 (Fri). Completion report due within 30 days of completion or by 10 March 2027 — whichever is earlier. Apply via Jグランツ (GbizID required) or email. Two-stage screening (eligibility check + scoring panel) selects projects monthly within budget.