Woodside, Japanese partners sign MOU to develop liquid hydrogen supply chain

Woodside Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd. (JSE) and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) to advance the development of a liquid hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan.

The agreement sets the stage for hydrogen produced at Woodside’s proposed H2Perth Project in Western Australia to be transported in dedicated liquid hydrogen carriers to receiving terminals in Japan. The initiative brings together Australian production capabilities with Japanese demand, reflecting a shared ambition to accelerate the energy transition.

The H2Perth facility is planned for the Rockingham and Kwinana Industrial Zones near Perth. The project would produce liquid hydrogen using natural gas reforming technology, with plans to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from the start of operations.

Woodside, JSE and KEPCO embark on development of liquid hydrogen supply chain.

Woodside said the emissions target would be pursued through the application of carbon capture and storage, subject to technical and regulatory approvals, and the use of carbon credits where necessary.

By linking supply and demand across two major energy markets, the MOU underscores the potential for hydrogen to play a central role in decarbonization strategies. The partnership builds on the long-standing energy relationship between Australia and Japan, while highlighting the role of technology and infrastructure in enabling a lower-carbon future.