Marubeni Corporation has announced the successful completion of a demonstration project covering the entire supply chain for green hydrogen production, transportation and utilisation, conducted across Australia and Indonesia. The project was selected under Japan’s Ministry of the Environment’s “Pilot Project for Comprehensive Support throughout the Whole Hydrogen Supply Chain Abroad.” Initiated in January 2022, the project set out to verify low-cost hydrogen production using surplus renewable electricity in South Australia, followed by metal hydride-based transport and fuel cell use at an industrial site near Jakarta, Indonesia.

Using an energy management system provided by its subsidiary SmartestEnergy Australia, Marubeni produced renewable hydrogen through electrolysis powered by excess renewable energy. The hydrogen was then stored in metal hydride tanks designed to safely absorb and release hydrogen, demonstrating the transport viability of this storage medium. These tanks were subsequently shipped to Indonesia, where the hydrogen was supplied to fuel cells installed within an industrial park, validating the practicality of a cross-border hydrogen supply chain.

Project transition and next-step developments

Following the successful demonstration, Marubeni plans to continue utilising hydrogen produced at the South Australia site. The company has begun supplying hydrogen to a nearby natural-gas-fired power plant as part of Australia’s first hydrogen co-firing trial, scheduled to begin in September 2025. Marubeni has already signed a hydrogen sales agreement with the plant’s operator, Iberdrola Australia. The project will also provide grid-balancing services using the battery installed to support hydrogen production.

Marubeni emphasises that the completion of this project marks an important milestone in its broader strategy to promote decarbonisation through hydrogen utilisation. The company aims to leverage the experience gained to support future clean energy initiatives, including expanding hydrogen transportation solutions and industrial hydrogen applications.

By demonstrating renewable hydrogen production, safe transport in metal hydride tanks and practical industrial utilisation, the project highlights a replicable model for international hydrogen supply chains. Marubeni states that it remains committed to contributing to a sustainable society through the continued development of clean energy systems and hydrogen infrastructure.

Source: 

https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2025/info/00038.html