INPEX, Japan's largest exploration and production company, has initiated front-end engineering and design work for a blue hydrogen production project in Niigata Prefecture. Leveraging the Minami-Nagaoka Gas Field and LNG imports, the project aims to produce 100,000 tons/year of hydrogen and ammonia by 2030. The company plans to use its legacy natural gas fields both as a feedstock source and for CO2 storage, supporting the development of a carbon capture and storage business simultaneously. The hydrogen production plant will source raw materials from INPEX-operated gas fields and LNG imports, mainly from the Ichthys LNG project in Australia. INPEX intends to market hydrogen to local customers for energy needs and aims to supply 10% of Japan's domestic energy demand by 2050. By capturing and storing CO2 during production, the hydrogen will be categorized as blue hydrogen, emphasizing its low-carbon footprint and environmental benefits. INPEX's strategic focus on blue hydrogen aligns with its vision of developing net-zero businesses by 2050, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy practices and contributing to Japan's energy transition objectives.