ENEOS using MCH hydrogen to develop CO2-free supply chain

ENEOS Corporation will begin a demonstration using hydrogen extracted from methylcyclohexane (“MCH”), an organic hydride that acts as a carrier for hydrogen, at ENEOS refining facilities, with the goal of developing a CO2-free hydrogen supply chain.

This is the first demonstration of MCH dehydrogenation in Japan, utilizing existing refining facilities.

ENEOS has reached an agreement with the Advanced Hydrogen Energy Chain Association for Technology Development to purchase MCH for the demonstration (formed by Chiyoda Corporation, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.; “AHEAD”). AHEAD will manufacture MCH using hydrogen derived from Brunei Darussalam’s wasted electricity.

This demonstration has been chosen as a technology verification project for the FY2021 program of the Consortium for Resilient Oil Supply Systems (“CROS”), which provides subsidies to improve the productivity and resilience of petroleum complexes (subsidies for infrastructure development projects of petroleum complexes).

ENEOS is working to build a CO2-free hydrogen supply chain in Japan and elsewhere in preparation of a hydrogen-oriented society moving toward decarbonization. Due to refineries’ coastal location and proximity to large-scale hydrogen consumers like as power plants, steel mills, and petrochemical plants, refineries have a tremendous potential to serve as a basis for supplying CO2-free hydrogen created overseas.

Due to the fact that the demonstration of the MCH dehydrogenation process using existing refining facilities does not require large-scale investment, it is anticipated that the demonstration will contribute to the future development and growth of the CO2-free hydrogen supply chain. The demonstration evaluates a sequence of operations from MCH receipt to dehydrogenation and consumption by leveraging existing refining equipment at three refineries, including the Kawasaki refinery.

The demonstration involves an assessment of its impact on facility operation in order to determine an appropriate amount of MCH for dehydrogenation in refineries. Hydrogen generated from MCH will be used to desulfurize petroleum products and for other purposes.