Woodside Energy Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Hokuriku Electric Power Company and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc have signed a joint research agreement under which they will conduct a feasibility study into the development of a clean fuel ammonia supply chain from Australia to Japan.
Ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion and is considered a promising next-generation zero-emission fuel for energy-intensive thermal power plants and marine engines.
Given existing proven technologies for the production, storage and transportation of ammonia, it is expected to have early take-up as a zero-emission fuel.
Under the joint agreement, the companies will conduct a feasibility study of the entire supply chain, including the production of clean fuel ammonia in Australia from natural gas with CO2 abatement methods such as carbon capture utilisation and storage and bio-sequestration.
The organisations will explore the feasibility of marine transportation of ammonia to Japan, the utilisation of ammonia as a fuel for power generation and marine use as well as financing.
The parties will work to establish a clean fuel ammonia supply chain between Australia and Japan through collaboration using their respective technologies and knowledge, and will promote efforts to decarbonise both Australia and Japan.
Japan’s Green Growth Strategy, established in December 2020 and refined in June 2021, positioned fuel ammonia as one of the key opportunities for Japan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
In relation to Australia, the ‘Japan-Australia Partnership on Decarbonisation through Technology’, was announced at the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting on 13th June 2021 and the Joint Statement [1] at the Australia-Japan Ministerial Economic Dialogue on 15th July 2021, and mentioned that Japan and Australia will work together to promote clean fuel ammonia.
[1] Joint Statement at the Australia-Japan Ministerial Economic Dialogue: www.meti.go.jp/press/2021/07/20210715008/20210715008-1.pdf
