Eneos Begins Operation of a Demonstration Facility in Australia for the Production of MCH Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier
In a significant step towards a hydrogen-oriented society and decarbonization, ENEOS Corporation has opened a demonstration plant in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The plant, which began operation in February 2023, aims to produce Green Methylcyclohexane (MCH) using ENEOS' proprietary low-cost "electrochemical synthesis of organic hydride" method.
The demonstration plant, which combines a 250-kilowatt solar power system in Queensland with a medium-sized electrolyzer, is a significant leap from the 2021 demonstration, with the electrolyzer having a surface area of 3 square meters, making it one of the largest by size used industrially.
The goal of this demonstration plant is twofold. First, it is designed to confirm the durability of the electrolyzer under subtropical conditions, a crucial factor for its commercialization. Second, it aims to develop optimal operation and control technologies for larger-scale production.
During the demonstration period from February to September 2023, the plant is expected to produce MCH equivalent to approximately 2 to 3 tons of hydrogen. This production is estimated to be enough for 400 to 600 fuel cell vehicles.
ENEOS plans to learn from this demonstration and develop larger-scale production technology for green hydrogen. The knowledge gained will be instrumental in ENEOS' mission to develop production technology for stable and cost-competitive CO2-free hydrogen (green hydrogen) in Australia.
In a bold move, ENEOS also plans to develop a 5 megawatt-scale electrolyzer for commercialization by FY2025, more than 30 times larger than the one used in the current demonstration plant. This ambitious project underscores ENEOS' commitment to advancing green hydrogen production.
The produced MCH will still be transported to Japan, where hydrogen will be extracted from MCH in ENEOS' Central Technical Research Laboratory. The larger-scale production technology will increase the overall hydrogen production capacity, making a significant contribution to ENEOS' efforts towards a hydrogen-oriented society.
Australia, with its favorable climate conditions, including wind and sunlight, and expansive land, is seen as having excellent potential for green hydrogen production. This project is a testament to ENEOS' belief in Australia's potential and its commitment to driving the global transition towards a sustainable energy future.
