Hazer Group Awarded Key IP Patent in Japan for Hydrogen Production Process

Key Highlights

• Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) has been granted a key patent by the Japanese Patent Office for its hydrogen production process using iron ore as a catalyst.
• The patent (JP 2021-167526) covers the process of producing hydrogen and graphitic carbon from methane or natural gas.
• This development strengthens Hazer’s intellectual property position in Japan, a key market for hydrogen technology.
• Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) global IP portfolio now includes over 70 patents and applications across five core technologies underpinning the Hazer process.
• Strategic partnerships with Chubu Electric, Chiyoda Corporation, and Mitsui align with Hazer’s expansion into the Japanese market.

Hazer Group Ltd (ASX:HZR), an Australian climate-tech company, has achieved a significant milestone in its journey toward commercializing its disruptive technology for clean hydrogen production.

The Japanese Patent Office (JPO) has granted Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) a key patent (JP 2021-167526) covering its proprietary process for producing hydrogen and graphitic carbon from hydrocarbons, utilizing iron ore as a catalyst. This move strengthens Hazer's intellectual property (IP) position, securing its innovative process in one of the world's leading markets for hydrogen and energy technologies.

The announcement marks an important chapter in Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) growth, aligning with the company's ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and secure its technology in key markets, particularly Japan, where the hydrogen industry is gaining significant momentum.

Understanding the Hazer Process

At the core of Hazer Group's (ASX:HZR) technology is the Hazer Process, which facilitates the production of hydrogen and high-quality graphite through a process known as methane pyrolysis. This process involves using methane (typically from natural gas or biogas) as a feedstock and iron oxide as a catalyst to split methane into its components: hydrogen gas and solid carbon in the form of graphitic carbon.

The innovative feature of the Hazer Process lies in its ability to produce low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen while also generating valuable by-products like graphite, which is essential for various industries such as battery production and electronics.

The granting of this key patent by the JPO in December 2024 demonstrates the novelty and robustness of Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) approach, which sets the company apart in the competitive hydrogen production landscape. The patent validates the unique use of iron oxide as a catalyst in methane pyrolysis, a development that has the potential to revolutionize the production of hydrogen, a critical element in the global transition to cleaner energy.

The Strategic Importance of Japan

Japan is a crucial market for the Hazer Group (ASX:HZR), owing to its ambitious goals for hydrogen adoption and decarbonization. The Japanese government has made significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure, with plans to establish a hydrogen-based economy. As a country heavily dependent on energy imports, Japan is keen to explore alternative solutions for domestic hydrogen production that are both sustainable and cost-effective.

Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) technology aligns with Japan’s goals by offering a way to locally produce clean hydrogen without relying on traditional methods, such as steam methane reforming, which are carbon-intensive. The low-carbon hydrogen produced using Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) technology can be seamlessly integrated into Japan's existing supply chains and infrastructure, reducing its reliance on imported hydrogen and helping meet decarbonization targets.

Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) commercial collaboration with Chubu Electric and Chiyoda Corporation, as well as its strategic partnership with Mitsui for graphite market development, underscores the company’s strong ties to the Japanese market. The patent grants the Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) enhanced IP protection, enabling it to expand its relationships with tier-1 corporations and explore new opportunities with a growing pipeline of potential customers across various sectors in Japan.

Expanding Hazer’s Global IP Portfolio

The granting of the patent in Japan is a significant addition to Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) already impressive IP portfolio. Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) currently holds over 70 patents and patent applications across five core technologies that underpin the Hazer Process.

These include patents related to hydrogen production, catalyst development, and the generation of valuable by-products such as graphite. The company’s disciplined and rigorous intellectual property strategy is designed to protect its technology and ensure that it retains a competitive edge in the global hydrogen market.

With this new patent in Japan, Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) continues to strengthen its IP position in key global markets. The company’s patent filings in other jurisdictions are proceeding as planned, with the goal of further expanding its protection as it moves toward large-scale hydrogen production.

The intellectual property strategy adopted by Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) is a key element of its business model, as it enables the company to maintain exclusivity over its breakthrough technology and ensure that its innovations are safeguarded in the competitive and rapidly evolving energy sector. By securing patents in major markets like Japan, Hazer is laying the groundwork for future partnerships and opportunities in the global energy and clean technology space.

Hazer’s Commitment to Commercializing Clean Hydrogen

Hazer Group's (ASX:HZR) CEO and Managing Director, Glenn Corrie, emphasized the strategic importance of the Japanese market, stating that securing this IP protection ensures that Hazer Group retains a leading position in methane pyrolysis and the production of low-cost clean hydrogen and graphite.

He added, “Japan is an important and strategic market for Hazer, and our proprietary technology offers an attractive solution to locally produce low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen, using existing supply chains and infrastructure. We have strong and long-standing partnerships with several tier-1 corporations in Japan and a growing pipeline of other potential customers in key industries.”

Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) commitment to commercializing its technology is evident through its ongoing efforts to scale its operations and increase hydrogen production capacity. The company is working toward large-scale deployment of the Hazer Process in several key markets, with a focus on hydrogen production and graphite sales. As governments around the world intensify their decarbonization efforts and prioritize clean hydrogen as a critical component of their energy strategies, Hazer is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in this transformation.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The announcement of the patent grant in Japan is a testament to the strength of Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) collaborations with leading corporations and research institutions. Partnerships with companies like Chubu Electric and Chiyoda Corporation reflect Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) ability to engage with industry leaders and advance its hydrogen production technology toward commercialization.

In addition, Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) strategic relationship with Mitsui for graphite market development underscores the potential for Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) technology to generate valuable by-products that support the growing demand for electric vehicles, energy storage, and other applications where graphite is essential.

The company’s strong relationships with Japanese corporations are an indication of the trust and confidence that Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) has built within the market. As the hydrogen and clean energy sectors continue to grow, Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) strategic alliances will play a critical role in accelerating the deployment of its technology and expanding its reach globally.

Hazer’s Role in the Decarbonization Journey

Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) innovative approach to hydrogen production has the potential to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. With its ability to produce low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen using iron ore as a catalyst, Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for clean hydrogen, which is crucial for achieving decarbonization goals across various industries.

As governments and companies worldwide set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, hydrogen is seen as a key solution for decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, heavy industry, and power generation. Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) technology, which produces both hydrogen and high-quality graphite, provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to meet these demands.

The company’s ability to generate valuable by-products, such as graphite, further enhances its competitiveness and opens up new opportunities for growth. Graphite, an essential material in the production of batteries, is in high demand due to the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. By producing both hydrogen and graphite, Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) is creating a dual revenue stream that supports the global shift toward cleaner energy.

Looking Ahead

The granting of the key patent in Japan represents a significant step forward for Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) as it continues to expand its IP portfolio and solidify its position as a leader in the clean hydrogen and energy technology sectors. Japan's strategic importance as a key market for hydrogen, coupled with Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) strong partnerships and innovative technology, sets the stage for further growth and development.

As Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) advances toward large-scale hydrogen production, its patented technology and growing IP portfolio will continue to provide a competitive edge, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the global decarbonization effort.

With over 70 patents, a growing portfolio of strategic partnerships, and a commitment to clean energy solutions, Hazer Group (ASX:HZR) is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of hydrogen production and advancing the global transition to a low-carbon economy.