Two major Japanese industry players are investigating green hydrogen and green ammonia supply chains in Australia. ITOCHU Corporation is considering a green hydrogen supply chain in Queensland. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Origin Energy are studying the feasibility of a green ammonia supply chain.
ITOCHU investigates feasibility of green hydrogen supply chain from Queensland
Trading and investment conglomerate ITOCHU is undertaking a feasibility study on producing and storing green hydrogen in Australia. The study will also look at building a green hydrogen export base.
Itochu will conduct the feasibility study with the following partners:
- Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI)
- North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited
- Brookfield Asset Management.
The parties will explore producing and storing green hydrogen at the Dalrymple Bay Terminal (DBT). DBI operates the Queensland Government-owned port. The study will also look at building a supply chain using DBT's export facilities. The parties will carry out the feasibility study in phases. Phase I will begin in 2021.
DBT is attracting interest as a green hydrogen production base. The port is in Hay Point, an area chosen for renewable energy development. DBT's export infrastructure can be improved to create facilities for exporting hydrogen. This makes the port an appropriate location to set up a green hydrogen supply chain.
ITOCHU wants to establish a green hydrogen supply chain to contribute to a decarbonised society.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Origin Energy investigate green ammonia supply chain
Shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will undertake a feasibility study with Australian energy company Origin Energy. The MOL Group is aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The study will look at the marine transport of ammonia, and demand in Japan and Asia by December 2021. It will also look at the possibility of developing a supply chain.
Origin is pursuing several green ammonia and hydrogen projects. This includes a green ammonia export project in Bell Bay, Tasmania. The first shipment is expected to occur in 2026.
Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology
Japan and Australia consider a technology-led response is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A technology-led response will also ensure economic growth and job creation.
The two countries will work on initiatives to transition to net zero emissions under the Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology. At the third Japan-Australia Ministerial Economic Dialogue, both countries agreed to advance initiatives on:
- carbon capture and storage
- clean hydrogen
- clean fuel ammonia.
These joint initiatives build on already strong bilateral collaboration, such as the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain project.
Green hydrogen in Australia
Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy sets out its commitment for an innovative, safe and competitive hydrogen industry. Australia's Low Emissions Technology Statement also lists low emissions technologies such as clean hydrogen as a priority.
In its 2021–22 Budget, the Australian Government will invest A$539.2 million in new clean hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage (CCS/CCUS) projects.
Find out how Australia is growing its hydrogen industry.
Green hydrogen resources for investors
HyResource and Geoscience Australia have information on hydrogen-related organisations, policies and projects in Australia.
Read about green hydrogen initiatives in Australia:
- Australian green hydrogen is attracting major investment from Japanese corporations
- Canadian utilities giant ATCO is investing in clean hydrogen in Australia
- UK's IP Group invests in Australian electrolyser company Hysata
