PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A joint feasibility study will be conducted into the development of a clean fuel ammonia supply chain from Australia to Japan.
Australian energy major Woodside, along with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Hokuriku Electric Power Company and the Kansai Electric Power Company will undertake the feasibility study.
Under the joint agreement, the parties will conduct a feasibility study of the entire supply chain, including the production of clean fuel ammonia in Australia from natural gas with carbon dioxide (CO2) abatement methods such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and bio-sequestration; marine transportation to Japan; the use of ammonia as a fuel for power generation and marine use; and financing.
The companies 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.
Ammonia does not emit CO2 during combustion and is considered a promising next-generation zero-emission fuel for energy intensive thermal power plants and marine engines.
The companies noted in a joint statement that 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.
Japan’s Green Growth Strategy has also positioned fuel ammonia as one of the key opportunities for Japan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while moves have been made for both Australia and Japan to partner to promote clean fuel ammonia.