Marubeni-funded green hydrogen injection demonstration project kicks off in Portugal

Japan’s Marubeni Corporation has launched the first green hydrogen injection demonstration project in the natural gas distribution network of Portugal through its investment in Floene Energias, a gas distribution system operator in Portugal with over 70% of the country’s market share.

According to Marubeni, in this demonstration project, Floene is transporting green hydrogen through its newly-constructed hydrogen pipeline, injecting it into its existing natural gas network, and distributing it to a customer base at around 80 residential, commercial, and industrial locations.

The green hydrogen utilised is produced by a local company through an electrolysis process to split water using solar power.

Marubeni said Floene plans to increase its injection ratio up to 20% during a two-year demonstration period as the Portuguese government is targeting a 10 to 15% injection ratio by 2030 in its National Hydrogen Strategy.

To note, Marubeni holds a 22.5% stake in Floene through a joint venture with Toho Gas.

Marubeni, with ‘Green Strategy’ as one of the basic policies for its Mid-Term Management Strategy GC2024, said it aspires to be a forerunner in green businesses.

It noted that it will contribute to decarbonisation and energy transition through the promotion of renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane.

Click here to read more about Marubeni Corporation’s endeavours.