Honeywell has announced that ENEOS, a leading energy company in Japan, has begun basic engineering with Honeywell to develop the first commercial scale hydrogen supply chain via Honeywell UOP’s methylcyclohexane (MCH) dehydrogenation process.
The project includes production, storage, transportation, distribution and material recovery to recycle components involved in the hydrogen process.
ENEOS is planning to install the MCH unit within its refineries in Japan. The Honeywell UOP MCH dehydrogenation process enables safe and effective long-distance transport of hydrogen, playing an important role in the Honeywell Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Solution.
"With global energy demand on the rise, regions are seeking to incorporate additional energy sources, including cost-effective hydrogen imports. Nations possessing abundant renewable energy resources or established hydrogen infrastructure are particularly well-suited to become key suppliers," said Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP. "Our MCH dehydrogenation process will assist ENEOS in enhancing the commercial viability of hydrogen to meet the increasing energy requirements."
Hydrogen gas is converted into MCH through Honeywell’s Toluene Hydrogenation process. In this state, the MCH is then transported via ship or tanker. Once at its destination, hydrogen gas is extracted from MCH through Honeywell's MCH dehydrogenation process. The remaining by-product, toluene, can be returned and recycled for future use.
Honeywell and ENEOS are actively collaborating on hydrogen transportation projects. In 2024, Honeywell announced plans to develop the world’s first commercial scale LOHC project at various ENEOS sites.