Uniper and Kyuden eye joint hydrogen and ammonia opportunities

February 13, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

German energy company Uniper and Kyuden International, a member of the Japanese Kyuden Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in hydrogen and ammonia, renewable energy and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

As disclosed, the partnership aims to create business opportunities in hydrogen and ammonia trading activities through Uniper’s global portfolio of low-carbon and green ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, combined with Kyuden International’s Asian and global operations.

Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to unlock business expansion opportunities in Europe for Kyuden International, leveraging on Uniper’s “expertise and commitment to developing more flexible and dispatchable power generation units” in its core markets across Europe, Uniper said.

Andreas Gemballa, CCO of Global Origination at Uniper, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Kyuden International. Through this multifaceted collaboration we are committed to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining our strengths, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Japan’s decarbonization efforts and explore new business opportunities. We value this partnership and look forward to driving impactful change together.”

Takashi Mitsuyoshi, President of Kyuden International, stated: “Through our collaboration with Uniper, an esteemed company, we aim to expand business opportunities in Europe and other regions by leveraging Uniper’s extensive expertise. Meanwhile, Uniper seeks to promote business development in Asia, where our company has abundant knowledge. This mutually complementary synergy is anticipated to drive further growth for both companies. Moving forward, we will strive to provide optimal solutions to address the challenges faced by customers in various countries and regions.”

To note, Uniper intends to be completely carbon-neutral by 2040. It is working on expanding its gas portfolio to include green gases like hydrogen and biomethane and aims to convert to these gases over the long term.

Its most recent activities include the signing of a conditional term sheet with energy companies Provaris Energy and Norwegian Hydrogen for the supply, transport and offtake of hydrogen from Nordics to North-Western Europe, as well as the progress in the development of its Green Wilhelmshaven project in Northern Germany.

As for Kyuden International, it engages in power generation, power distribution and other businesses across Asia and beyond. The company, reportedly, intends to expand business development opportunities by cooperating with various business entities and promoting initiatives that contribute to low-carbon and decarbonization efforts tailored to the specific circumstances in each country.