Mitsui, partners to develop hydrogen, ammonia supply chain in Osaka

Four Japanese companies Mitsui & Co., Mitsui Chemicals, IHI Corporation, and Kansai Electric Power have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain in the Osaka coastal industrial zone, they announced on August 30. 

The MoU outlines the framework for a comprehensive study to establish bases for receiving, storing, and supplying ammonia within the Osaka coastal industrial zone. Furthermore, the four prominent companies will conduct extensive surveys to explore opportunities for expanding the utilization of ammonia in the Kansai and Setouchi regions.

Discussions have already begun with Kobe Steel, which is a potential candidate that could benefit from the utilisation of ammonia as it has announced a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in the electric power business, the companies added.

This announcement closely follows the initiation of another collaborative effort in Japan's energy landscape. Japanese gas retailer Osaka Gas and refiner Eneos have begun a joint study to explore the feasibility of large-scale production of e-methane in Japan using green hydrogen.