Woodside, JSE, and KEPCO partner to develop a liquid hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan, advancing clean energy collaboration.
Woodside Energy (Woodside), Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd. (JSE), and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) have entered into a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at developing a large-scale liquid hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the growing global push to accelerate energy transition initiatives and secure cleaner fuel sources for the future.
Under the agreement, the three companies will work together to design, establish, and operate a supply chain in which liquid hydrogen produced in Western Australia would be transported to Japan. The hydrogen would be produced at Woodside’s proposed H2Perth Project, a major facility planned within the Rockingham and Kwinana Industrial Zones of Perth, Western Australia. Once produced, the liquid hydrogen would be shipped via specialized carriers to designated receiving terminals in Japan, creating a full-scale, cross-border hydrogen corridor.
The H2Perth Project itself is envisioned as a cornerstone in Woodside’s clean energy ambitions. The facility is expected to manufacture liquid hydrogen primarily through natural gas reforming. Importantly, the project has been designed with the goal of achieving net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions right from the start of operations. To meet this target, Woodside plans to incorporate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, pending further technical studies and successful completion of regulatory approvals and commercial agreements. In addition, carbon credits may be used to offset any remaining emissions, ensuring the project aligns with international decarbonization goals.
By entering into this MOU, Woodside, JSE, and KEPCO have signaled their shared commitment to advancing innovative energy solutions. The partnership highlights how collaboration between industry leaders across different nations can unlock new possibilities for a sustainable future. Establishing a hydrogen supply chain not only supports decarbonization objectives but also strengthens economic and diplomatic ties between Australia and Japan.
Hydrogen has increasingly been recognized as a promising fuel that can play a vital role in global decarbonization. Its ability to store and transport clean energy makes it a strong candidate for replacing fossil fuels in multiple sectors, from power generation to transportation and industrial use. By focusing on liquid hydrogen, the project leverages the advantages of long-distance transport and efficient storage, helping Japan diversify its energy sources while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
This MOU demonstrates the potential for hydrogen to bridge countries in pursuit of low-carbon futures. By combining Woodside’s production expertise in Australia with JSE’s energy innovation and KEPCO’s operational knowledge, the initiative underscores how technology, infrastructure, and international cooperation can converge to build the foundations of a hydrogen-powered world.
