Eneos Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the social implementation of hydrogen and decarbonized fuels, aligning with their commitment to ESG principles and a carbon neutral strategy. This MOU expands their ongoing feasibility study into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighting their dedication to pioneering clean energy solutions. 

Eneos, which operates hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles (FCV) in Japan, aims to build a CO2-free hydrogen supply chain to support domestic industrial complexes. This initiative leverages Japanese governmental support, including the Green Innovation Fund projects. Mitsubishi is also vigorously promoting the transition to a carbon neutral society by developing, creating demand, and building supply chains for next-generation energy sources. 

The MOU will focus on developing a supply chain utilizing Methylcyclohexane (MCH), a colorless liquid identified as an effective carrier for storing and transporting hydrogen. This includes CO2-free hydrogen supply and demand creation overseas, hydrogen use in the mobility sector, and the social implementation of commercial FCVs. Together, the companies aim to promote synthetic fuels made from CO2-free hydrogen. 

In a related development, Mitsubishi Corporation, along with Takasago Thermal Engineering Co. (TTE), Hokkaido Electric Power Company (HEPCO), and Air Water Hokkaido (AWH), signed a joint development agreement to discuss providing green hydrogen in Hokkaido’s Chitose area. This initiative is in line with Japan’s updated Basic Hydrogen Strategy, emphasizing the importance of establishing a domestic hydrogen supply chain. 

Chitose, home to the New Chitose Airport and surrounded by industrial zones, has been chosen as the site for a next-generation semiconductor plant, increasing the demand for green hydrogen as a decarbonization tool. The city’s Zero Carbon City Chitose agenda, announced in February 2022, outlines a green hydrogen plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

Eneos is also exploring the use of CO2-free hydrogen at Tokyo Haneda Airport by 2030, in collaboration with Japan Airport Terminal Co. This initiative reflects the broad potential of hydrogen across industries, serving as a next-generation fuel and as a raw material for producing ammonia, methane, and other chemicals. 

Sources: 

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/japans-eneos-mitsubishi-expand-alliance-into-hydrogen-decarbonised-fuels-2024-06-18/ 

https://www.gasworld.com/story/mitsubishi-pursues-partners-to-drive-decarbonisation/2140192.article/