ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi agree to advance low-carbon hydrogen project

ExxonMobil Corp. signed a project framework agreement with Mitsubishi Corp. under which the companies will advance discussions about Mitsubishi’s participation in ExxonMobil’s proposed hydrogen and ammonia project in Baytown, Tex.

Contingent on supportive government policy and necessary regulatory permits, the plant is expected to be the world’s largest of its kind upon startup, ExxonMobil said, capable of producing up to 1 bcfd of low-carbon hydrogen from US-produced natural gas, and more than 1 million tonnes/year (tpy) of low-carbon ammonia.  A final investment decision is expected in 2025 with anticipated startup in 2029.

Mitsubishi aims to convert part of its Namikata liquified petroleum gas (LPG) terminal in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, into an ammonia terminal for transshipment, which will then supply the low-carbon ammonia to various industrial applications, such as power, automobile and chemical, mainly in the Shikoku and Chugoku regions in Japan.  

The Namikata Terminal handles about 1 million tpy of LPG and other petroleum products brought in from Japan and overseas. The terminal is equipped with large-scale low-temperature LPG tanks that can be converted to ammonia tanks, docking berths for large vessels, and other infrastructure. Mitsubishi envisions handling around 1 million tpy of low-carbon ammonia by 2030.

In addition, Mitsubishi intends to partner with Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. for joint equity and ammonia offtake from ExxonMobil’s Baytown plant.