Asahi Kasei, Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS clean energy arm Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), and JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) announced the completion of a detailed feasibility study for production of up to 8,000 tpy of green H₂ using a 60 megawatt (MW) class alkaline water electrolyzer system. The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the said project. This project is supported 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). Pursuant to the MoU, the parties are preparing for the FEED study to commence in January 2024. The operation is planned for start-up in 2027.

This collaboration between Asahi Kasei, Gentari, and JGC will advance the deployment of a 60-MW water electrolyzer paired with an integrated control system to produce green H₂. This commercial-scale project demonstrates the companies' commitment to fostering markets for green H₂ and establishing a foundation for regional green H₂ production, aligning with the broader mission of decarbonization in Japan, Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. “We are pleased to collaborate with these two companies on a project that will demonstrate to the world the practical application of green H₂. Asahi Kasei's experience from demonstration experiments in Germany and managing a 10-MW electrolyzer 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.

“This strategic collaboration between Gentari, Asahi Kasei, and JGC, amplifies value for all involved. The project stands as a catalyst for advancing Malaysia’s H₂ economy towards achieving its green H₂ target of 200,000 tpy by 2030, aligning with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and H₂ Economy and Technology Roadmap. Beyond this, Gentari is developing H₂ projects with national and state entities to position Malaysia as the region’s leading H₂ hub, leveraging PETRONAS assets and the country’s strategic advantages,” said Michèle Azalbert, Gentari’s Chief H₂ Officer.

“I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts to conclude this MoU. JGC Group is currently constructing a demonstration facility of clean ammonia production adjacent to Asahi Kasei’s electrolyzer at Namie-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, together with an integrated control system. We look forward to applying the lessons learnt from the demonstration and to utilizing its technical outcomes toward the execution of this project in Malaysia,” said Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer and General Manager, Sustainability Co-creation Unit of JGC.