Idemitsu and JERA agree to jointly consider establishing a hydrogen supply chain based in the Ise Bay area, Japan

On the back of demand for decarbonisation, hydrogen—which emits no CO₂when burned—is expected to be used in large quantities at power plants and in industrial areas as a next-generation replacement for fossil fuels. It is essential, therefore, to develop large-scale receiving and supply bases near areas where hydrogen will be in demand.

The Ise Bay area, where many industries are concentrated, has the future potential to become a large-scale receiving and supply base. Idemitsu is engaged in the business of receiving and refining crude oil and supplying petroleum products in the area. JERA, meanwhile, owns thermal power plants and LNG receiving terminals in the area and strives to ensure a stable supply of electricity in the Chubu region.

The MOU stipulates that the two companies will jointly consider the following as they look to establish a hydrogen supply chain based in the Ise Bay area where each operates businesses:

• Establishment of hydrogen receiving, storage, processing, and supply bases
• Technological and economic analysis of transportation methods for hydrogen in the Ise Bay area
• Development of a hydrogen supply network

Idemitsu and JERA will utilise their accumulated technology, knowledge, and assets to contribute to the establishment of a stable, economical supply chain for hydrogen as part of their efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The two companies will also cooperate with “Hydrogen Utilisation Study Group in Chubu”, which is working to establish cross-industrial hydrogen supply chain throughout the Chubu region.

Idemitsu has adopted the ‘CNX Center’ concept of transforming existing manufacturing bases such as refineries and complexes into new low carbon and resource-recycling energy hubs. Idemitsu aims to establish a supply chain that supplies CO₂-free energy by taking advantage of the unique characteristics of each of the group's sites while fulfilling responsibility for the stable supply of energy.

Under its ‘JERA Zero CO₂ Emissions 2050’ objective, JERA has been working to reduce CO₂ emissions from its domestic and overseas businesses to zero by 2050, to promote the adoption of greener fuels, and to pursue thermal power that does not emit CO2 during power generation. JERA will continue to contribute to energy industry decarbonisation through its own proactive efforts to develop decarbonisation technologies while ensuring economic rationality.

For more news and technical articles from the global hydrogen sector, read the latest issue of Global Hydrogen Review magazine.

Global Hydrogen Review's Spring 2022 issue

The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/16062022/idemitsu-and-jera-agree-to-jointly-consider-establishing-a-hydrogen-supply-chain-based-in-the-ise-bay-area-japan/