ENEOS Corporation has committed to conducting a study with Origin Energy on the potential establishment of commercial scale, carbon-dioxide-free hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Queensland.

The news comes after the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, met with ENEOS senior executives during her trip to Tokyo to secure the 2032 Olympics. The company was the official energy and hydrogen supplier for the Tokyo Olympics.

“This is an exciting development for Queensland as we are working hard to develop our sustainable hydrogen industry and leverage the solar resources already developed and to be developed in the future,” the Premier said.

“Since the launch of Queensland hydrogen strategy during my trade mission to Japan in 2018, we have seen a number of Japanese companies interested in developing Queensland hydrogen industry with us.”

The study is unique as it explores one of the latest hydrogen transport and storage technologies called MCH (methylcyclohexane), which is the next step towards establishing a large-scale carbon-dioxide-free hydrogen business in Queensland.

The study will examine what existing infrastructure and transport options can be used and what gaps need to be filled along the supply chain. It will also highlight opportunities.

ENEOS already owns petroleum tankers, storage tanks and refineries used for export, which are expected to be used as the hydrogen supply chain develops and owns its own import terminals in Japan where they are looking to dehydrogenate.

The company selected Queensland due to the state’s proactive government policy on hydrogen, abundant renewable resources and well-established infrastructure.

Origin Energy was selected as the partner for the study as it is an energy company with extensive experience ranging from natural gas exploration and production, generation and wholesale to electricity and gas retailing.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, the Hon. Mick de Brenni, said Queenslanders had a strong history of developing export industries.

“Australia’s hydrogen industry is expected to contribute at least $11 billion to the national economy and generate around 7,600 jobs by 2050,” Minister de Brenni said.

“We’re making sure Queensland is in prime position to take advantage of this huge opportunity.”

“Queenslanders know how to develop exports and the jobs that come with them, especially in our regions,” he said.

“We already have reliable, publicly-owned electricity generation and we already have outstanding water and port infrastructure.”

“Our location on Australia’s east coast is also a bonus – with close proximity to key Asian markets, including Japan, where hydrogen demand is expected to be high.”

Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, Tak Adachi, said ENEOS’ latest project was another vote of confidence in Queensland’s renewables future.

“The company has great faith in Queensland and what we are capable of as an investment state with rich and sustainable resources,” he said.

“This is significant for the development of a carbon-dioxide free hydrogen industry.”