Japan's Oil Titan Invests $200 Million in Queensland's Green Hydrogen Future
Brisbane, Wednesday, 4 December 2024.
ENEOS, Japan’s largest oil company, is investing $200 million in a green hydrogen plant near Brisbane, creating over 100 jobs. This project supports Queensland’s energy goals and Japan’s carbon neutrality by 2050.
A Strategic Location for Green Innovation
I’m excited to share that the demonstration plant will be situated at Bulwer Island, a reclaimed tidal mangrove island at the mouth of the Brisbane River[1]. The facility will occupy 6,000 square metres of a former BP refinery site near the Port of Brisbane, making it ideally positioned for future exports[1]. What’s particularly fascinating is the plant’s innovative approach to hydrogen storage and transport.
Revolutionary Storage Technology
The facility will produce hydrogen in the form of methylcyclohexane (MCH), which I find particularly clever. This liquid hydrogen carrier can be transported at room temperature and normal pressure[1], solving one of the biggest challenges in hydrogen logistics. The plant will have an impressive capacity of producing up to 680 kilograms of green hydrogen daily[3], marking a significant step forward in sustainable energy production.
International Collaboration and Timeline
This isn’t just a solo venture. ENEOS has assembled an impressive team, partnering with Japanese industrial giants like Chiyoda Corporation, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Toppan, and AGC, alongside Brisbane-based companies GPA and GRPS[1]. The project is backed by Japan’s Green Innovation Fund, which has approximately $28 billion dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050[1]. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with MCH production expected to start by mid-2026[7].
Economic and Environmental Impact
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training Ros Bates highlighted how this project reinforces Queensland’s position as an energy superpower[7]. The two-year demonstration period will create over 100 specialist jobs[1], boosting the local economy while advancing green technology. What’s particularly noteworthy is that this investment comes at a time when many green hydrogen projects in Australia have faced challenges reaching financial close[1], making ENEOS’s commitment even more significant.