ENEOS MCH Hydrogen Demonstration Plant (New Project added January 2025)

ENEOS MCH Hydrogen Demonstration Plant

ENEOS is to construct a renewables-based hydrogen production facility at Bulwer Island, Brisbane, with the hydrogen being transported in the form of methylcyclohexane, with a portion to be shipped to Japan.

Main proponents: ENEOS	Main end-use classification: Focus on production of hydrogen derivatives – methylcyclohexane (MCH)	Status: Under construction	Estimated cost: AUD$200 million including the total amount of past projects
Other involvement:	Production details: 680 kilograms per day of hydrogen equivalent capacity	Location: Queensland, Australia	Announced funding: Supported by the Green Innovation Fund established by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Project description

In December 2024, it was announced that ENEOS would construct and operate renewables-based electrolysis and methylcyclohexane (MCH) production facilities on approximately 6,000 square metres of land at the former BP refinery site close to the Port of Brisbane.

The hydrogen produced will take the form of methylcyclohexane (MCH), which is a hydrogen carrier in liquid form that can be transported at room temperature and normal pressure.

A series of proof-of-concept tests since 2018 involved combining proprietary technology owned by ENEOS with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) solar power facilities at the Redlands research facility east of Brisbane. The renewables-based hydrogen was created from water and a chemical called toluene in an electrochemical process using renewable energy like solar power. The toluene is converted into a substance called methylcyclohexane (MCH) using the ENEOS process.  Once transported, the MCH is converted back to toluene and the hydrogen extracted for use in stationary or mobile applications.

The demonstration plant would have a capacity of 680 kilograms per day of hydrogen equivalent, with a portion to be shipped to Japan.

The announcement noted that construction on the project facilities is expected to begin in 2025 with MCH production expected by the middle of 2026: it is expected to operate for two years.

The announcement noted that the total cost of the demonstration would cost around AUD$200 million including the past projects in Queensland.

The announcement noted that the project is a demonstration project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and supported by the Green Innovation Fund Projects of Large-scale Hydrogen Supply Chain Establishment / Direct MCH electrosynthesis technology development established by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

 

Reviewed: (reviewed by the project proponent): December 2024