Wedoany.com Report-Dec.4, Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd. (JSE) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Kawasaki LH2 Terminal, a major liquefied hydrogen receiving and storage facility located in Ogishima, Kawasaki City, Japan.

The terminal forms the core infrastructure of the "Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Chain Commercialization Demonstration" project, which receives support from Japan's Green Innovation Fund administered by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Upon completion, it will become the world's first commercial-scale facility dedicated to handling liquefied hydrogen.

Key features include the world's largest 50,000 m³ liquefied hydrogen storage tank, alongside advanced maritime loading and unloading systems, a hydrogen liquefaction plant, gaseous hydrogen supply capabilities, and dedicated dispatch facilities for road tankers carrying liquefied hydrogen. JSE will oversee overall project management, while a joint venture led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries will handle engineering, procurement, and construction.

The initiative also encompasses plans for one of the world's largest liquefied hydrogen carriers, with a capacity of approximately 40,000 m³, to be built in the coming years. Together, the terminal and carrier will establish essential components for a complete, large-scale hydrogen supply chain.

Operations at the Kawasaki LH2 Terminal and the new carrier are scheduled to begin by 2030. During this phase, the project will validate critical performance, safety, durability, reliability, and economic requirements needed for a fully commercial international hydrogen supply network.

From 2030 onward, the facility will receive imported liquefied hydrogen transported by specialised carriers. The hydrogen will be stored at the terminal and subsequently distributed to various domestic users across Japan, supporting the country's expanding hydrogen energy ecosystem.

This development marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the technical and commercial viability of long-distance liquefied hydrogen transportation and storage. By establishing proven infrastructure on this scale, the project aims to accelerate the global adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier for power generation, industrial processes, transportation, and other applications.

The Kawasaki LH2 Terminal will play a central role in enabling stable, large-volume hydrogen supply while contributing to the broader goal of building efficient and secure international hydrogen trade routes in the future. The successful realisation of this integrated supply chain is expected to provide valuable operational experience and data that will benefit similar initiatives worldwide as demand for carbon-free energy solutions continues to grow.