Air Liquide and ENEOS Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on accelerating the development of low-carbon H₂ in Japan and contribute to the energy transition. This partnership intends to capitalize on ENEOS' strong energy infrastructure and market presence in Japan as well as on Air Liquide's more than 60 years of expertise across the entire H₂ value chain—from production, liquefaction, transport, storage and distribution to usages—as well as mastery of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).

This partnership will span the whole value chain of low-carbon H₂. Upstream, the partners will study the development of low-carbon H₂ production, using both CCUS and electrolysis technologies. Furthermore, they will examine possible collaboration in the development of an international liquid H₂ supply chain to serve the Japanese market from abroad. Downstream, the partnership will envisage joint initiatives to develop H₂ mobility in Japan, including through a H₂ refueling station infrastructure. In addition, Air Liquide and ENEOS will explore a collaboration in innovation along the H₂ supply chain.

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Vice President of Innovation supervising H₂ activities said, “Air Liquide is proud to partner with ENEOS, Japan’s leading energy company. This collaboration, which will span the whole value chain of renewable and low-carbon H₂, will combine the strengths of two leaders in their field. As such, it can significantly contribute to the development of H₂ as a key element of decarbonization of industry and mobility in Japan. This partnership is yet another sign that Air Liquide is accelerating in the energy transition. It is in line with our strategic plan ADVANCE, which closely links financial and extra-financial performances.”

Tomohide Miyata Representative Director, Executive Vice President, ENEOS said, “Under the ENEOS Group’s Long-Term Vision to 2040, we are taking on the challenge of achieving both a stable supply of energy and materials and the realization of a carbon-neutral society. We believe the collaboration with Air Liquide, which is one of the world's largest industrial gas companies, will also serve as a basis for leading energy transition and continue to support energy supply in Japan in a carbon neutral society. ENEOS is currently considering MCH as our main H₂ carrier, but through this MoU, we also pursue the exploration of liquefied H₂ in the future to contribute to the formation of a decarbonized society.”