Through its subsidiary, DGA Energy Solutions, Mitsubishi has entered a series of agreements aimed at leveraging Australia’s abundant renewable resources to produce green hydrogen for export, particularly to Japan.
DGA Energy Solutions, established last year, has quickly become a focal point for Mitsubishi’s green hydrogen ambitions in Australia. The latest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zen Energy exemplifies Mitsubishi’s strategy to combine clean energy generation with advanced hydrogen production capabilities. Zen Energy’s expertise in clean energy, coupled with DGA’s hydrogen plant design capabilities, presents a promising synergy for future projects.
This collaboration follows DGA’s acquisition of a 49% equity stake in entX’s Limestone Coast Hydrogen Project in South Australia and a partnership with Countrywide Hydrogen’s Portland Green Hydrogen project. These investments highlight Mitsubishi’s commitment to establishing a strong foothold in Australia’s green hydrogen sector.
Australia’s role as a key energy supplier to Japan underscores the strategic importance of Mitsubishi’s green hydrogen projects. Zen Energy’s CEO, Anthony Garnaut, emphasizes that sustaining and enhancing Australia’s energy trade with Japan through renewable means is crucial. As Australia seeks to position itself as a renewable energy superpower, green hydrogen offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, which is vital for future trade dynamics.
Mitsubishi Corp’s focus on converting Australia’s renewable energy into tradeable green hydrogen for Japan leverages the established trade relationships within the East Asian region. This strategic move aims to ensure long-term energy security and sustainability for Japan, while positioning Australia as a leader in green hydrogen production.
While Mitsubishi Corporation is making notable strides in green hydrogen, it is essentially catching up with other Japanese conglomerates that have already established a presence in Australia’s renewable energy sector. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC), both offshoots of the original Mitsubishi entity, have previously committed their technologies or invested in local businesses within Australia. This context highlights Mitsubishi Corp’s relatively late entry into the market, underscoring the competitive landscape it faces.
Despite this, Mitsubishi’s comprehensive approach through DGA Energy Solutions, focusing on project development and operation, sets a robust foundation for catching up and potentially surpassing its rivals. The integration of renewable energy projects with hydrogen production capabilities positions Mitsubishi Corp strategically for long-term success in the green hydrogen market.
