Kawasaki signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Fortescue Metals Group and Iwatani – kick starting investigation of a business model for the supply of liquefied hydrogen from renewable energy

Tokyo, December 14, 2020 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) and Iwatani Corporation (Iwatani) for investigation of a business model for the supply of liquefied hydrogen from renewable energy.

Under this MOU, parties will start to investigate the establishment of integrated liquefied hydrogen supply chains, encompassing hydrogen production and liquefaction using electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in Australia and overseas, and to be transported by a liquefied hydrogen marine carrier for delivery and distribution in Japan.

Kawasaki, as a manufacturer of hydrogen related equipment with its technologies, has agreed to collaborate with Fortescue, with expanding its investment in the hydrogen business, and Iwatani, with its vast experience in handling of hydrogen.

Contributing to de-carbonization agendas across the globe, Kawasaki has been leading development projects in every phase including production (hydrogen liquefier), transportation (liquefied hydrogen marine carrier), storage (liquefied hydrogen storage tank), and utilization (hydrogen-fueled gas turbine). Kawasaki will contribute to a stable supply of clean energy through the establishment of liquefied hydrogen supply chains, working towards its sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Fortescue

Fortescue Metals Group is a global leader in the iron ore industry, recognized for its culture, innovation and industry-leading development of world class infrastructure and mining assets. Building on its value chain capabilities and project development expertise, Fortescue is pursuing new opportunities in renewable energy and green industries, including the establishment of bulk export markets for clean hydrogen.

Iwatani

Iwatani is the only liquefied hydrogen supplier in Japan capable of producing 120 million m³ of liquefied hydrogen annually (3 bases, 6 plants). It also has compressed hydrogen plants at 10 locations nationwide and has a 70% share of the hydrogen market in Japan. Kawasaki and Iwatani have participated in the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Pilot Project between Japan and Australia, working towards creating a hydrogen energy society.

For Reference

Changing forward short video series, “Hydrogen-Based Society”.