Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, Origin Energy and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will collaboratively examine prospects to enhance the supply chain for export-scale green ammonia in Australia.

Origin and MOL will investigate how Australian green ammonia projects could supply critical downstream markets beginning in 2026, with a joint feasibility study expected to be completed by December 2021.

Origin is advancing a number of export-scale green hydrogen projects across Australia to address growing international and local demand for low-carbon fuels, including in Bell Bay, Tasmania, where Origin is also advancing a separate $3.2 million feasibility study into green ammonia production.

Origin’s general manager of future fuels, Tracey Boyes said, “Transport is one of the biggest opportunities globally to achieve emissions abatement through the use of green and renewable fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.

“With our abundance of renewable resources and proximity to Asian markets, Australia is in the box seat to develop a world-leading hydrogen sector, exporting low emissions energy all over the world to meet demand for clean energy from our major trading partners.

“Many nations have committed to ambitious carbon targets, and partners such as Mitsui O.S.K Lines will be crucial to underpinning the development of a strong hydrogen sector here in Australia.

“Origin is in a strong position to leverage our expertise in LNG export and delivering complex major projects.

“We are delighted to start building a strong working relationship with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to establish what opportunities there may be, both for future projects, or for projects that we are already investigating,” Ms Boyes said.