NTU Singapore, PSA Singapore, and Japan’s Chiyoda Corporation have initiated innovative trials to explore the transportation and storage of hydrogen in the form of methylcyclohexane (MCH). This cutting-edge method enables hydrogen to be stored as a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, before being converted back into gaseous hydrogen for use as a clean fuel in port operations.
In this collaborative effort, PSA Singapore has established the first hydrogen refuelling station and introduced a hydrogen fuel cell electric prime mover at the Pasir Panjang Terminal. These developments mark a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of global hydrogen supply chains.
The initiative builds on successful laboratory proof-of-concept experiments led by NTU Singapore, which demonstrated the efficient and economical transport of hydrogen. These trials aim to validate the industrial storage and subsequent dehydrogenation of transported LOHC, with the extracted hydrogen fueling on-site refuelling stations.
Hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with only water and heat as by-products, are recognized as a promising green energy technology. Singapore, lacking natural resources, relies on importing hydrogen. The hydrogen is transported in liquid form via liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), facilitating long-term storage and long-distance transport under ambient conditions.
Pioneering the Future of Clean Fuel in Port Operations
The trial at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal, running until mid-2025, seeks to validate the industrial storage and subsequent dehydrogenation of transported LOHC. The hydrogen extracted from this process will be used to fuel on-site refuelling stations, marking a significant advancement in clean fuel technology for port operations.
These trials, conducted by NTU Singapore, PSA Singapore, and Chiyoda Corporation, have enabled the establishment of the first hydrogen refuelling station and the introduction of a hydrogen fuel cell electric prime mover at Pasir Panjang Terminal. The project underscores the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable and efficient energy source, particularly in the context of port operations, where emissions reduction and energy efficiency are critical.
The use of methylcyclohexane (MCH) as a storage medium for hydrogen is particularly notable. When hydrogen is converted into MCH, it can be stored as a liquid under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. This method simplifies the storage and transportation process, making it more feasible for large-scale industrial applications. The ability to re-convert MCH back into gaseous hydrogen at the point of use ensures that the hydrogen remains a viable and potent clean fuel source throughout the supply chain.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance global hydrogen supply chains, making them more robust and capable of meeting the growing demand for clean energy solutions. The trials not only aim to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using LOHCs for hydrogen transport and storage but also seek to establish a practical framework for their implementation in real-world industrial settings.
By spearheading this initiative, NTU Singapore, PSA Singapore, and Chiyoda Corporation are positioning themselves at the forefront of the global push towards sustainable energy solutions. The successful completion of these trials could pave the way for broader adoption of hydrogen as a key component of the world’s clean energy portfolio, particularly in sectors such as shipping and logistics where energy demands are high and the environmental impact of traditional fuels is significant.
The collaboration between these leading institutions reflects a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the trials progress, they are expected to provide valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen storage and transport, informing future efforts to scale up these technologies.
In summary, the launch of hydrogen storage and transport trials using methylcyclohexane represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Through these trials, NTU Singapore, PSA Singapore, and Chiyoda Corporation are demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel for port operations and beyond, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and resilient global energy system.
