PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Japanese energy giant ENEOS has officially opened its green hydrogen demonstration plant in Queensland.

ENEOS will produce the green hydrogen using its patented electrolysis technology (Direct MCH), powered from renewable energy generated by an onsite 250 kW solar system.

The hydrogen will be produced in the form of methylcyclohexane (MCH), so it can be stored and transported as a liquid before being refined back to hydrogen in Japan.

It is the first project supported by the Japanese government’s $24-billion Green Innovation Fund, which aims to help Japan achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company is also investigating other sites in Queensland for future stages of its development.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said it was an exciting step towards Queensland becoming a world leader in renewable energy.

“ENEOS choosing Queensland for this project strengthens our position as a leading destination for investment in green hydrogen.

“Working with international partners will play a critical role in Queensland’s journey as we develop a world-class, sustainable and competitive hydrogen industry. Work by companies such as ENEOS is vital as we power towards achieving zero net emissions by 2050, and delivering the economic opportunities that go with it.

“The Bulwer Island facility will have capacity to produce up to 20 kg/d of green hydrogen, creating 30 new specialist jobs in the process. This project is set to unlock significant benefits for Queensland’s economy by generating hydrogen jobs of the future and tapping into new export markets.

“This project will build on our progress towards Queensland becoming an energy superpower, which we are steering through the $62-billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.” 

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said Queensland’s green hydrogen industry was the greatest job creation, emissions reduction, and economic development opportunity in a generation.

“Queensland has all the ingredients needed to become a global hydrogen superpower, and we’re accelerating our role in helping the world achieve its decarbonisation ambitions,” De Brenni said.

“The government is sending a very clear message to the world that we will be a global player for reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

“This project by ENEOS is further proof of the opportunity that green hydrogen presents for sectors such as road transport, aviation, ammonia for fertiliser and explosives as well as to create industrial heat and power generation for mining and steel production.”