Hazer Group Ltd has reported progress on its planned hydrogen production facility in Nagoya, Japan, following the completion of a pre-feasibility study and confirmation of a positive economic case for the project.
The Australian technology company is working in collaboration with Japanese energy utility Chubu Electric Power Company Inc and global engineering firm Chiyoda Corporation, as revealed in an ASX announcement.
The project will utilise Hazer’s proprietary methane pyrolysis technology under a licensing agreement and is initially designed to produce 2,500 tonnes per annum of clean hydrogen along with high-quality graphite.
According to Hazer, the facility will integrate with Chubu Electric’s existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in the Nagoya region, a move expected to reduce development costs and enable faster deployment.
The plant has been designed as a scalable platform, with future expansion capacity based on regional demand for low-emissions hydrogen and graphite.
Chubu Electric and Chiyoda have completed initial engineering and design work and have identified a preferred site for the facility. The companies concluded that the technology is cost-competitive and supports favourable project economics.
“Our collaboration with Chubu Electric and Chiyoda Corporation represents a significant milestone in Hazer’s global commercialisation strategy,” said Hazer CEO and Managing Director Glenn Corrie.
“Japan is a strategic market for Hazer with extensive LNG infrastructure, limited access to carbon capture and storage options, and strong policy support for industrial decarbonisation.”
Following the successful performance testing of Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant in Perth in November 2024, Chubu Electric has begun engaging with potential graphite offtakers in the Nagoya area.
Several priority customers have been identified, with product testing and commercial discussions currently underway.
In parallel, the project partners are exploring funding options, including co-investment and potential grant opportunities under Japanese government programs supporting industrial decarbonisation.
Hazer recently hosted a delegation at its Perth facility that included senior Members of the National Diet of Japan, representatives from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, and strategic partner Mitsui.
The visit was aimed at demonstrating Hazer’s technology and its potential contribution to Japan’s emissions reduction goals.
“Hazer’s technology offers a transformative, immediate, low-cost and near-term solution for hard-to-abate sectors,” Corrie said. “We’re proud to be progressing this opportunity with world-class partners.”
