Industrial gases major Air Liquide and Japan’s energy company ENEOS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of low-carbon hydrogen in Japan and contribute to the energy transition.

This partnership will span the whole value chain of low-carbon hydrogen. Upstream, the partners will study the development of low-carbon hydrogen production, using both CCUS and electrolysis technologies.

Furthermore, they will examine possible collaboration in the development of an international liquid hydrogen supply chain to serve the Japanese market from abroad. Downstream, the partnership will envisage joint initiatives to develop hydrogen mobility in Japan, including through a hydrogen refueling station infrastructure.

In addition, Air Liquide and ENEOS will explore a collaboration in innovation along the hydrogen supply chain.

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Vice President of Innovation supervising Hydrogen activities, said: “Air Liquide is proud to partner with ENEOS, Japan’s leading energy company. This collaboration, which will span the whole value chain of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, will combine the strengths of two leaders in their field. As such, it can significantly contribute to the development of hydrogen as a key element of decarbonization of industry and mobility in Japan. This partnership is yet another sign that Air Liquide is accelerating in the energy transition. It is in line with our strategic plan ADVANCE, which closely links financial and extra-financial performances.”

Tomohide Miyata, Executive Vice President, ENEOS, said:”Under the ENEOS Group’s Long-Term Vision to 2040, we are taking on the challenge of achieving both “a stable supply of energy and materials” and “the realization of a carbon-neutral society”. We believe the collaboration with Air Liquide, which is one of the world's largest industrial gas companies, will also serve as a basis for leading energy transition and continue to support energy supply in Japan in a carbon neutral society. ENEOS is currently considering MCH as our main hydrogen carrier, but through this MOU, we also pursue the exploration of liquefied hydrogen in the future to contribute to the formation of a decarbonized society.