Mitsui, Jogmec and Wesfarmers explore blue hydrogen for Ammonia in Australia

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (Jogmec) will conduct a joint feasibility study on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Western Australia.

Mitsui is developing the Waitsia gas field in the Mid West region of Western Australia as the Operator, with a 50% working interest through its wholly-owned subsidiary Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd (Mepau).

Mepau, which has expertise in developing natural gas assets and produce low carbon ammonia, will investigate the production and export of low carbon ammonia made from hydrogen generated from Mid West natural gas.

Mepau has also agreed with Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers Limited (WesCEF) to jointly study the commercial and technical viability of building a low carbon ammonia production plant, which will include Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions to be provided by Mitsui in Western Australia. Mitsui will employ its expertise in the upstream natural gas industry and the knowledge gained through its investment in Storegga Geotechnologies Limited (UK) to develop future CCS interests.

Mepau, which also owns a 100% working interest in nearby depleted gas fields in Perth Basin, can be used to store the associated CO2. The joint study with Jogmec and WesCEF will research the potential for carbon storage in depleted gas fields and also consider alternate sites in Western Australia. Jogmec will support CCS, clean hydrogen and ammonia and the implementation of this joint study.