Japan’s INPEX officially broke ground on its Kashiwazaki Hydrogen Park in Niigata Prefecture, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to the to the development ofcarbonization through the development of blue hydrogen and ammonia.
The complex, located in the city of Kashiwazaki, integrates a blue hydrogen and ammonia demonstration plant, a gas gathering station and a generating unit that channels power to the local grid. It is all part of a “local production for local consumption” model, with natural gas as the feedstock extracted from the Minami-Nagaoka field.
blue hydrogen and carbon capture
During hydrogen and ammonia production, the generated CO2 is captured and injected into depleted geological formations in the Higashi-Kashiwazaki field, applying carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies. carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies. (CCUS) TECHNOLOGIES. This process reduces net emissions and provides key information on subway storage capacity in Japan.
Part of the hydrogen is transformed into ammonia through an innovative low-pressure, low-temperature process for distribution within the prefecture itself. The electricity generated will supply end users connected to the grid, demonstrating the viability of an emission-free energy supply chain.
Technology collaboration and energy transition
The project is supported by NEDO, Japan’s new technology development organization, which is subsidizing the part related to the production of blue hydrogen. blue hydrogen and ammonia production. JOGMEC is also involved is also involved in assessing CO2 storage potential as part of a joint research project on decarbonization in depleted reservoirs.
This park is part of the INPEX Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to position the company as a leader in low-carbon energy solutions. The demonstration phase is expected to continue until 2025, with possible extensions under the company’s own initiative once state subsidies come to an end.
Source: INPEX
Photo: JOGMEC