Kawasaki Heavy Industries has begun construction of a demonstration plant for the world’s first centrifugal hydrogen compressor specifically designed for hydrogen liquefaction plants. The KM Comp-H₂ compressor , developed as part of a Green Innovation Fund- sponsored project, aims to improve liquefaction process efficiency and reduce hydrogen supply costs.
The construction of the first centrifugal hydrogen compressor
The centrifugal hydrogen compressor is designed to increase the pressure of the refrigerant hydrogen gas used in the liquefaction process. At the same time, it optimizes system efficiency, enabling better resource utilization. Kawasaki has implemented an “ultra-high-speed” impeller to achieve more efficient hydrogen compression.
The demonstration plant is being built at Kawasaki’s Harima facility in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This plant will be completed in November 2025, followed by a year of operational testing. During this time, the compressor will undergo a comprehensive performance analysis under real-world operating conditions.
This development is part of a broader effort to establish a robust hydrogen infrastructure to support the transition to a clean energy economy. Kawasaki is committed to innovating technologies that enable the efficient storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen.
Demonstration of a hydrogen fueling plant in Australia.
Source: Kawasaki Group Channel
The KM Comp-H₂ is a potential breakthrough for hydrogen liquefaction technology, offering a more compact and efficient solution. With a centrifugal design and the ability to handle high flow rates, this compressor will reduce the installation footprint, a key factor in the viability of hydrogen liquefaction plants worldwide.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source and photo: Kawasaki
