Inpex Corp. has tapped Expro Group Holdings for tubular running services as part of a carbon capture utilization and storage contract (CCUS) for Japan’s first hydrogen production demonstration project, according to a Jan. 23 news release.

“Carbon storage sites are a fundamental part of clean hydrogen projects, and ensuring the long-term integrity of those wells is imperative,” Expro COO Alistair Geddes said. “Across our portfolio of well construction services, we provide technologies that enhance well integrity during the drilling and completions phases.”

The company’s 12-month work scope includes tubular running services for multiple sections of casing, liner and tubing, covering one production well, one injection well and one monitoring, the release states.

Called Kashiwazaki Clean Hydrogen/Ammonia, the Inpex-led project will be the first in Japan to integrate the hydrogen and ammonia value chain from production to usage.

The company has said it will use findings from the project to build a blue hydrogen production plant in the Niigata Prefecture utilizing its natural gas field and existing infrastructure, targeting commercialization by around 2030.

Natural gas produced in the Niigata Prefecture will be used to produce hydrogen and CO2 generated during the production process will be injected into the Higashi-Kashiwazaki Gas Field Reservoir.