Four-party consortium sets up Japan-New Zealand hydrogen corridor

March 5, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

A four-partite Japanese consortium has formed a Japan-New Zealand hydrogen corridor and will study the commercialization of green hydrogen production in New Zealand and export operations to Japan.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Obayashi Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), and Chiyoda Corporation announced the establishment of the Japan-New Zealand Hydrogen Corridor on March 5.

Studies are set to begin this year to build a hydrogen supply chain originating in New Zealand and to enable the export of green hydrogen from New Zealand to Japan, with imports and exports commencing in the early 2030s.

According to MOL, looking ahead, the initiative aims for New Zealand to become a leading green hydrogen supply hub for Japan, contributing to carbon neutrality in Japan and to the creation of a new export industry in New Zealand.

“New Zealand has abundant renewable energy resources, including geothermal power and hydropower, which are essential for green hydrogen production. With the government also announcing a policy to prioritize the development of its hydrogen industry, the country is expected to become a leading hub for green hydrogen production and supply in the Asia-Pacific region in the future,” MOL reported.

“In addition, imports of green hydrogen from New Zealand, which maintains strong diplomatic and trade relations with Japan, are also expected to make a significant contribution to advancing Japan’s decarbonization and strengthening its energy security from the standpoint of establishing a sustainable energy supply under stable international relations.”

Of note, in November 2024, the New Zealand Government announced its Hydrogen Action Plan, outlining a policy to expand a low-emission hydrogen market driven by private sector initiatives, supported by the reduction of regulatory barriers and improvement of the investment environment.