Singapore kicks off liquid H2 pilot

Holding hydrogen in liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) means it can be transported and stored in ambient conditions. As Singapore has no natural resources, it is reliant on the import of LOHCs, from which gaseous hydrogen can be extracted for use as a clean fuel.

“Liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology is a promising solution to safely transport hydrogen, enabling green and sustainable technologies,” said Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU vice president (Industry).

The collaboration has explored transporting and storing methylcyclohexane (MCH), a type of LOHC. Following successful proof-of-concept tests at NTU, PSA built and put into operation the first hydrogen refuelling station at Pasir Panjang Terminal in Singapore along with providing a hydrogen fuel cell electric prime mover.

“We are excited to commission the first hydrogen refuelling facility in the port, a significant step forward in our efforts to develop a hydrogen refuelling ecosystem in Singapore,” said Nelson Quek, regional chief executive, Southeast Asia, PSA International.

The trial at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal is scheduled to run until mid-2025 and aims to validate the transportation, storing and dehydrogenation of LOCH in an industrial setting.

Chiyoda, headquartered in Japan, will provide technical expertise through SPERA Hydrogen, its proprietary technology that uses dehydrogenation catalysts to extract hydrogen from MCH.

“This demonstration using hydrogen for an industrial application will lead to long-term CO2 emission reductions in Singapore, and contribute to global decarbonisation through SPERA Hydrogen,” said Koji Ota, president & chief executive, Chiyoda.

“This project is of great significance to Singapore and is a major step forward toward the future diffusion of hydrogen on a global scale.”