ENEOS Plans $200m Green Hydrogen Project in Australia for Japanese Export
Key Ideas
- Japanese oil firm ENEOS is investing AUD $200m in a green hydrogen project in Australia for export to Japan, creating over 100 specialist jobs in Queensland.
- The project involves a 1.5MW demonstration plant in Queensland, producing 680kg of green hydrogen daily using the innovative liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology.
- ENEOS's collaboration with Japanese and Brisbane-based companies will utilize MCH as a carrier for hydrogen, allowing for easier storage and transportation in existing infrastructure.
- The initiative marks a significant step towards commercializing LOHC technology, offering a promising solution for long-distance hydrogen transportation and contributing to the global hydrogen goals for Net Zero by 2050.
Japanese oil company ENEOS is embarking on a major green hydrogen project in Australia, with plans to invest AUD $200 million in a small-scale facility on Bulwer Island in Queensland. The project, commissioned by Japan’s NEDO, aims to produce 680kg of green hydrogen per day starting in 2026. The hydrogen will be bound to a liquid carrier, methylcyclohexane (MCH), enabling it to be transported at room temperature and low pressures. This innovative approach is expected to reduce the cost of hydrogen movement by utilizing existing petrochemical infrastructure.
ENEOS's partnership with companies like Chiyoda Corporation, Sumitomo Electric Industries, and Brisbane-based firms will drive the construction and operation of the plant. The involvement of over 100 new specialist jobs in the Queensland region highlights the positive impact on employment and the growth of the green hydrogen industry.
The project represents a significant leap in utilizing LOHC technology for hydrogen transport, offering a viable solution for overcoming challenges associated with storing and handling hydrogen. By using MCH as a carrier, ENEOS aims to facilitate easier transportation of hydrogen over long distances, aligning with the global goals for Net Zero emissions by 2050. The innovative approach and international collaboration involved in this endeavor signal a positive step towards advancing green hydrogen technology and infrastructure.