$15 Million Hydrogen Race! Mitsubishi Gas and Toyota Back Zero-Emission Underground Discovery

A groundbreaking $15 million investment is set to transform the global hydrogen market, with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Toyota joining forces to tap into underground “natural hydrogen” in Australia. The duo, alongside a subsidiary of ENEOS Holdings, will fund Australian startup Gold Hydrogen, which recently uncovered a unique hydrogen reserve deep beneath South Australia.

Unlike conventional hydrogen production, this process emits zero CO₂, offering a vital step toward decarbonizing methanol manufacturing. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, investing AUD 5 million, is entering the natural hydrogen extraction field for the first time, seeking to use this clean hydrogen for sustainable methanol production. Toyota matches this commitment, while ENEOS’s subsidiary will contribute AUD 4.5 million.

The funds will advance exploration at Gold Hydrogen’s Ramsay project and support the construction of a pilot facility to separate and purify hydrogen and helium-3—a rare fuel for nuclear fusion. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will also provide technical expertise and collaborate in research, speeding up the path to commercial natural hydrogen.

Industry watchers see this move as a major leap for low-carbon chemicals and energy, with the potential to revolutionize how hydrogen and methanol are produced worldwide.