JERA Obtains METI Certification for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Hub in Japan's Chubu Region

JERA Co., Inc. has obtained METI certification to supply low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives as part of Japan's Support for the Development of Hubs scheme. The certification, combined with a previously awarded Price Gap subsidy, supports JERA's plan to import low-carbon ammonia from the US-based Blue Point Project for use at the 1-GW Hekinan Thermal Power Station in the Chubu region.

The supply chain involves natural gas reformation with carbon capture and storage (CCS) at Blue Point Project in Louisiana, capturing approximately 90% of CO₂ before ammonia synthesis. Shipping companies NYK Line and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines transport the ammonia across the Pacific to Japan's Port of Hekinan.

JERA plans to co-fire up to 20% low-carbon ammonia at the Hekinan unit, expecting to reduce CO₂ emissions by 10-15% per megawatt-hour. The hub infrastructure will include storage tanks and truck-loading facilities to supply nearby industrial users across Chubu, including major manufacturers such as Toyota Industries and AGC.

The project aligns with Japan's Hydrogen Society Promotion Act and JERA's Net-Zero CO₂ Emissions 2050 target. The hub design accommodates future integration of green ammonia from Japanese electrolyzers as renewable capacity expands. JERA has committed to sharing operational lessons to support hydrogen hub development at other Japanese ports.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Fuel News. Read the full article →