ENEOS Corp. (Tokyo) has constructed a large-scale demonstration plant in Queensland, Australia, to produce methylcyclohexane (MCH), a hydrogen carrier, using its proprietary low-cost “electrochemical synthesis of organic hydride” method (Direct MCH®). An opening ceremony was held on Oct. 6. Following trial operations, demonstration operations are scheduled to commence in January 2027.
This demonstration project aims to obtain the technical knowledge required for the commercialization of Direct MCH® technology, supporting the future development of large-scale green hydrogen supply chains. Green hydrogen produced from renewable energy is expected to play a key role in achieving a carbon-neutral society. However, reducing production and transportation costs remains a significant challenge. ENEOS is working to lower the overall cost of the green hydrogen supply chain by utilizing Direct MCH® technology, which enables the direct, single-step synthesis of MCH. In addition, demonstration operations will be conducted in Australia, one of the world’s leading renewable energy-producing regions, to identify and address technical challenges associated with plant operation at an early stage.
Source: ENEOS
ENEOS has steadily advanced the development of Direct MCH® technology and has now developed a 1.2-MW-class electrolyzer, representing the minimum unit size for commercial deployment. The demonstration plant will utilize an electrolyzer approximately eight times larger than the unit deployed in a previous demonstration conducted in 2023 and is designed to achieve a maximum MCH production capacity of 9 tons per day. Demonstration operations are expected to continue for approximately two years. Through demonstration operations, ENEOS will evaluate performance, degradation behavior, and other operational characteristics while collecting data necessary for commercialization.
Leveraging the knowledge gained from this demonstration project, ENEOS will pursue the commercialization and deployment of the technology while comprehensively assessing technological progress, economic viability, and market conditions.
As stated in its Long-Term Vision, the ENEOS Group is taking on the challenge of achieving both a stable supply of energy and materials, and the realization of a carbon-neutral society. Going forward, ENEOS will continue to advance the development and demonstration of next-generation energy solutions, including technologies for green hydrogen supply chains, while exploring opportunities for their commercially viable deployment.