Hydrogen value chain to be developed in Japan

It will cover all aspects of low-carbon hydrogen production to utilisation.

Japan-based general trading giant ITOCHU Corporation revealed it has entered into a strategic partnership with industrial gas company Air Liquide Japan and ITOCHU ENEX to develop a hydrogen value chain covering all aspects of low-carbon hydrogen production to utilisation.

Pursuant to a memorandum of understanding, the three companies will consider local-production-for-local-consumption business models in major metropolitan areas, then jointly explore a competitive hydrogen production, supply system, as well as the expansion of the hydrogen station business.

“The three companies will be further developed to promote the hydrogen business in Japan and overseas, with the aim of establishing a world-class hydrogen value chain in anticipation of future hydrogen imports to Japan,” a media release read.

Japan announced the Green Growth Strategy Towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality in December 2020, and in light of this, hydrogen is anticipated to contribute to decarbonisation of various fields.

“ITOCHU's wide-ranging networks focused on consumer-related sectors, in addition to ITOCHU ENEX’s customer base and energy distribution systems as a major domestic energy trading company, will be used to demonstrate the comprehensive capabilities of the ITOCHU Group and promote the development of the hydrogen market,” the media release added.