Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (Head office: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; President: Hirohiko Ejiri; hereinafter “Kurita”) has been selected for the “Research and Development of Lithium Ion Battery Compatible Fire Extinguishing Chemicals and Equipment” (hereinafter the “Joint R&D Project”), one of the themes under the Joint research and development type (free of charge) “Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT,” and has signed a joint research and development agreement with the Tokyo Fire Department on May 21, 2026.

In recent years, the widespread use of portable batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems has led to an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, making this a growing social issue. Lithium-ion battery fires are characterized by repeated re-ignition due to thermal runaway, and it has been noted that conventional powder- or gas-based fire extinguishing agents are inadequate for sufficient cooling and preventing reignition.

As part of a new business initiative applying our long-cultivated expertise in water treatment technologies, Kurita has been developing a new fire-extinguishing agent (hereinafter the “Agent”) that does not contain PFAS, phosphorus, or ammonia. To organize the issues, evaluate their effectiveness, and consider implementation, for the early practical application and commercialization of the Agent, Kurita applied for and was selected for the Joint R&D Project.

In cooperation with the Tokyo Fire Department, Kurita will verify the effectiveness of the Agent against lithium-ion battery fires and conduct specific studies on its implementation in fire-extinguishing equipment. Through the Joint R&D Project, Kurita aims to contribute to enhancing public fire safety measures, including public transportation systems and firefighting organizations. Looking ahead, Kurita will also aim to apply the research outcomes to battery manufacturing plants and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), where demand is expected to grow in the coming years.

The Kurita Group will continue contributing to the realization of a sustainable society by leveraging the “Water Intelligence” it has cultivated since its founding to create innovations, such as solutions and new businesses, delivering “new value” to customers and society.

From left to right: Jun Ozaki (Assistant chief of Fire Technology Reasearch and Development Center, Tokyo Fire Department),
Yukihiro Iwata (Senior General Manager of New Buisiness Development Group, Kurita Water Industries Ltd.)

<Related URLs> *Japanese-language only each

• Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT
• Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT | About an adoption result of the common research and development type (free of charge)

Please note that the contents of the news release are information as of the date of announcement and may be changed without notice.