Idemitsu and JERA to establish hydrogen supply chain in Japan

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and JERA Co., Inc. yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will jointly consider establishing a hydrogen supply chain based in the Ise Bay area located at the mouth of the Kiso Three Rivers between Mie and Aichi Prefectures in Japan.

On the back of demand for decarbonization, hydrogen—which emits no CO2 when 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 utilize 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 Utilization Study Group in Chubu”, which is working to establish a 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 decarbonization through its own proactive efforts to develop decarbonization technologies while ensuring economic rationality.

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