Honeywell, a global technology leader, announced today a groundbreaking collaboration with ENEOS, a prominent energy company in Japan, to develop the world’s first commercial-scale Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) project. This innovative project harnesses Honeywell’s cutting-edge solution to enable the safe, efficient, and effective transportation and storage of clean hydrogen, utilizing existing infrastructure.
The LOHC solution represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a viable method for long-distance hydrogen transportation to meet the increasing demand across various industries. This initiative aligns with Honeywell’s strategic focus on key megatrends, including automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition.
Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, emphasized the transformative impact of this technology: “Our Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier provides a method of more closely matching international supply and demand for hydrogen, enabling hydrogen to play a critical role in the energy mix as we move toward lower-carbon economies.”
This collaboration marks the beginning of a series of hydrogen transportation projects between Honeywell and ENEOS. In the LOHC solution, hydrogen gas undergoes a chemical transformation through the Honeywell Toluene Hydrogenation process, converting it into methylcyclohexane (MCH), a convenient liquid carrier compatible with existing infrastructure. The MCH, containing the hydrogen, is then exported to ENEOS in Japan, similar to petrochemical products. Upon arrival, the hydrogen is recovered using the Honeywell MCH Dehydrogenation process, ready for use, while the toluene can be recycled for additional cycles.
Hydrogen is poised to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, its inherent properties as a flammable gas with low density present challenges for efficient transportation. Current solutions, such as liquification and the use of chemical carriers like ammonia, require additional infrastructure for hydrogen production and transport.
By providing a safe, efficient, and cost-effective method for long-distance hydrogen transport, Honeywell’s LOHC technology is poised to revolutionize the hydrogen industry. This project represents a significant step towards realizing a hydrogen-powered future and underscores the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable solutions for a cleaner, greener planet.
