Three of Japan’s largest corporations have invested in an Australian natural hydrogen discovery and development company.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Toyota Motor Corporation Hydrogen Factory and ENEOS Xplora have invested A$14.5 million in Gold Hydrogen Limited.
Gold Hydrogen selected these 3 global leaders as strategic investors based on their innovation and leadership in hydrogen, helium, energy and transport technologies.
Natural hydrogen exists underground like oil and natural gas. It is gaining attention as a low-cost option for decarbonising industries with minimal environmental impact.
For Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, the investment is part of efforts to secure hydrogen resources for its sustainable growth strategy. The company will provide Gold Hydrogen with technical support and undertake joint studies, to support commercialisation opportunities.
Similarly, ENEOS Xplora will share its expertise in natural gas and oil exploration. Its subsurface technologies will assist Gold Hydrogen to investigate natural hydrogen and helium reserves deep underground.
An aerial photo of Gold Hydrogen’s drill site. Image courtesy of Gold Hydrogen.
Exploring the potential of natural hydrogen and helium
Gold Hydrogen focuses on discovering and developing natural hydrogen and helium gases in South Australia. The company’s Ramsay Project has confirmed the presence of high-purity natural hydrogen and helium in the Ramsay region of the Yorke Peninsula.
The investment will fund further drilling and well-testing in the Ramsay region, as well as advance future downstream and commercialisation opportunities. The drilling project is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The investment sets the stage for strategic collaboration on long-term value chain opportunities, including:
- hydrogen supply opportunities for mobility and industrial uses, as well as transportation fuel cell and power generation platforms
- research into future natural hydrogen purification and utilisation technologies
- potential green methanol production.
The parties will also consider the potential for further investment, technical collaboration, downstream opportunities and offtake arrangements.
Find out more about Australia’s hydrogen industry.
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