ENEOS, Japan’s biggest oil company, has unveiled plans to significantly boost production of green hydrogen in Queensland.
Starting from next year, ENEOS plans to produce up to 20 kilograms of green hydrogen per day at its Bulwer Island site in Brisbane.
ENEOS will produce the green hydrogen using its own proprietary electrolysis process, which will be powered by a dedicated onsite 250-kilowatt solar system.
The hydrogen will be synthesized as methylcyclohexane (MCH), which will be stored and transported as a liquid before being converted into hydrogen in Japan.
This is the first initiative to benefit from the $24 billion Green Innovation Fund established by the Japanese government to help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the announcement ‘was another major step towards Queensland becoming a renewable hydrogen superpower’.
“Companies like ENEOS want to invest in Queensland because we’ve got the settings for industry right,” Mr Dick said.
“These sorts of commitments also raise our profile as an attractive destination for substantial foreign investment.
“ENEOS’ increase in local green hydrogen production will create 30 new specialist jobs for Queensland in a key growth industry.
“We look forward to continue working with ENEOS and other global companies looking to base their hydrogen operations in Queensland.”
ENEOS, in collaboration with Japanese engineering firm Chiyoda Corporation and the Queensland University of Technology, began demonstrating green hydrogen technology in Queensland In 2018.
In addition, the company has begun work on a 204-megawatt solar project in Edenvale, Western Downs, which will support 400 local jobs.
Tak Adachi, Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, said ENEOS’ latest investment exemplifies the strong economic partnership between state and nation.
“The longstanding partnership of Queensland and Japan continues to be fruitful,” Mr Adachi said.
“When it comes to developing technologies for sustainable and carbon-neutral industries, Japanese companies are world-leading, and we’re pleased to be part of that progress in Queensland.”
