Asahi Kasei-led trio develops 60-MW green H2 project in Malaysia

Japanese chemicals and materials science group Asahi Kasei Corp (TYO:3407) announced today the completion of a detailed feasibility study for a 60-MW green hydrogen project in Malaysia, co-developed with Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd and JGC Holdings Corporation.

The three companies have subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a front-end engineering design (FEED) study in relation to this project. The partners intend to deploy an alkaline water electrolyser paired with an integrated control system to produce up to 8,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

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The start of the FEED study is planned for January 2024, while the launch of the facility is expected in 2027. This development is backed by the Green Innovation Fund for Large-scale Alkaline Water Electrolysis System Development and Green Chemical Plant Project by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

“Asahi Kasei's experience from demonstration experiments in Germany and managing a 10 MW electrolyser in Japan for over three years will play a pivotal role in this project's success," said Nobuko Uetake, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of its Green Solution Project.

Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company JGC Holdings is currently building a demo clean ammonia plant next to Asahi Kasei’s electrolyser at Namie-machi in Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, also featuring an integrated control system.

“We look forward to applying the lessons learnt from the demonstration and to utilising its technical outcomes toward the execution of this project in Malaysia,” said Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialisation Officer and General Manager, Sustainability Co-creation Unit of JGC.

Meanwhile, Petronas’ clean energy arm Gentari is developing other hydrogen projects with national and state entities in Malaysia, according to Michele Azalbert, Gentari’s Chief Hydrogen Officer. Malaysia’s target is to reach an annual green hydrogen production of 200,000 tonnes by 2030.