Idemitsu and JERA have signed a memorandum of understanding under which they would examine building a hydrogen supply network in the Ise Bay area together.
Hydrogen, which generates no CO2 when burned, is predicted to be employed in huge amounts at power plants and in industrial regions as a next-generation alternative for fossil fuels as a result of the rising demand for decarbonization. As a result, large-scale receiving and supply depots near places where hydrogen will be in demand are critical.
Many industries are located in the Ise Bay area, which has the potential to become a large-scale receiving and supply center in the future. Idemitsu is a company that receives and refines crude oil as well as supplies petroleum products in the region. JERA, on the other hand, owns thermal power plants and LNG receiving ports in the Chubu region and works to assure a reliable supply of electricity.
According to the MOU, the two firms will evaluate the following factors as they work to develop a hydrogen supply chain in the Ise Bay area, where each company has operations:
Bases for receiving, storing, processing, and supplying hydrogen
In the Ise Bay area, a technological and economic examination of hydrogen transportation techniques was conducted.
The creation of a hydrogen distribution network
As part of their efforts to attain carbon neutrality, Idemitsu and JERA will donate their accumulated expertise, experience, and assets to the construction of a reliable, cost-effective hydrogen supply chain. The two firms will also work together with the ‘Hydrogen Utilization Study Group in Chubu,’ which is establishing a cross-industry hydrogen supply chain in the Chubu region.
Idemitsu has embraced the CNX* Center idea, which aims to turn existing manufacturing bases like refineries and complexes into new low-carbon, resource-recycling energy centers. Idemitsu wants to create a supply chain that provides CO2-free energy by utilizing the specific qualities of each of the group’s locations while also assuming responsibility for ensuring a consistent supply of energy.
JERA has set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions from its domestic and international operations to zero by 2050, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, and pursuing thermal power that does not produce CO2 during power generation as part of its ‘JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050’ goal. JERA will continue to contribute to the decarbonization of the energy industry by aggressive efforts to develop decarbonization technology while maintaining economic viability.