This project represents Japan's first complete demonstration that covers the full cycle from production to utilization of hydrogen and ammonia, both clean energy carriers that generate no CO? emissions when used.
Designed under a "local production for local consumption” approach, the initiative relies entirely on resources within Niigata Prefecture, where Inpex has long operated. Natural gas feedstock is supplied from the company-operated Minami-Nagaoka Gas Field, also located in the prefecture. Carbon dioxide produced during hydrogen and ammonia manufacturing will be captured and stored (CCUS) in the depleted reservoir of the Hirai section of the Higashi-Kashiwazaki Gas Field.
Hydrogen generated at the park will partly fuel electricity generation at the dedicated power plant, with the electricity delivered through the local grid to consumers across Niigata Prefecture. A portion of the hydrogen will also be converted into ammonia for supply to customers within the same region.
The facility enables Inpex to gain comprehensive technical expertise and operational experience throughout the hydrogen and ammonia value chain, positioning the company to lead development of these energy solutions both domestically and internationally.
Key elements of the project, including hydrogen and ammonia production as well as CO? capture, receive support from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) under its program for fuel ammonia utilization and blue ammonia production technology development.
Subsurface CO? storage activities are being carried out in collaboration with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) through a joint research initiative focused on verifying storage capacity in depleted domestic oil and gas reservoirs to support decarbonization of natural gas utilization.
The opening of Kashiwazaki Hydrogen Park marks a practical step forward in establishing commercially viable clean hydrogen and ammonia supply chains while demonstrating effective integration of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies within an existing energy region.
