Japan's Kawasaki Heavy proposes making naphtha from hydrogen

MaterialsEnergy sector looks to older technology for synthetic alternativeA liquefied hydrogen terminal built by Kawasaki Heavy in Kobe, Japan. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)EISAKU NITTAJuly 18, 2026 06:54 JSTTOKYO -- Kawasaki Heavy Industries is proposing alternative technologies for using hydrogen to produce naphtha, a petrochemical used in a wide range of plastics and inks, as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt Japan's industries.