ENEOS Corporation and Origin Energy signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct a study on a potential business collaboration for the development of a CO₂-free hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Australia.

This will be achieved by utilizing Australia’s excellent potential for cost-competitive hydrogen production due to its favorable climate conditions, including wind and sunlight, and expansive land.

Origin is a leading integrated energy company in Australia with extensive experience ranging from natural gas exploration and production, generation and wholesale to electricity and gas retailing.

In the study, the two companies will jointly examine the potential for the reliable supply of affordable hydrogen made with renewable energy in Queensland. Specifically, Origin will focus on use of renewable energy supply and water electrolysis cells for hydrogen production. Elements of the proposed supply chain include:

1. Manufacturing green hydrogen from renewable-energy-derived power through water electrolysis in Australia

2. Conversion of manufactured hydrogen into MCH, a form of efficient hydrogen storage and transport

3. Maritime transport of MCH to Japan by tankers

4. Receipt, storage and dehydrogenation of MCH at ENEOS refineries and supply of hydrogen for industrial use at nearby thermal power plants, steel refineries, etc.

5. Toluene separated in the dehydrogenation process is returned to Australia for repeat use as a raw material in MCH production.

ENEOS’s existing petroleum-related infrastructure, including tankers, storage tanks and dehydrogenation facilities, can be utilized in the CO₂-free hydrogen supply chain, enabling development of a new energy supply system while reducing the need for new investment.

ENEOS will be responsible for more efficient production of methylcyclohexane (MCH) and maritime transport of MCH as a form of hydrogen storage and transport from Australia to Japan.

Queensland is well advanced in the development of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. The state government is promoting hydrogen industry development leveraging these renewable energy sources. Under its own hydrogen industry strategy, the government has promptly launched various programs including establishment of the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund to support hydrogen business and develop areas dedicated to large-scale hydrogen business across the state. In addition, existing infrastructure such as storage tanks, shipping and port facilities currently used for coal and natural gas can be utilized for hydrogen export.

The two companies will explore opportunities to access government support, including the Green Innovation Fund in Japan and the hydrogen hub project in Australia, to achieve early development of a hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Australia.