#Japan #Osaka Gas #e-methane #Nagaoka #INPEX

Osaka Gas Introduces a Next-Generation Fuel Facility

In a landmark announcement, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. has officially unveiled a cutting-edge e-Methane production facility in collaboration with INPEX Corporation. This facility, soon to commence operational trials in February 2026, aims to significantly advance the production of synthetic methane, also known as e-Methane. Developed under a grant project from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), this facility boasts production capabilities that align with the gas consumption of approximately 10,000 households.

What is e-Methane?

e-Methane represents a revolutionary approach to urban gas, produced by repurposing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and industrial waste, combining it with hydrogen. Although burning e-Methane generates CO2, the process is deemed carbon-neutral since an equivalent amount of CO2 is captured during its production. Its similarity in composition to conventional city gas allows it to seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, such as LNG transport vessels, pipelines, and household appliances, promoting carbon neutrality without necessitating new investments. The Daigas Group plans to incorporate e-Methane into one percent of the urban gas supplied by 2030, playing a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality.

Facility Overview

The e-Methane production facility will consist of several core components, including raw material supply systems and utilities, located at INPEX's Nagaoka mining site in Niigata Prefecture. Notably, the facility successfully produced e-Methane with a methane concentration of 96% during initial trials, with some of this synthetic gas injected into INPEX's natural gas pipeline through the Nagaoka plant. This trial facility not only aims for large-scale production but will also validate the durability of the catalysts used in the process.

Objectives and Importance of the Project

The project aligns with a broader initiative to facilitate the practical utilization of large-scale CO2 methanation systems, ensuring quicker implementation into society. Key components of the project include:

• - Developing simulation technology to understand the behavior of CO2 methanation reactions.
• - Evaluating process performances and catalyst longevity to establish reliable operational benchmarks.
• - Investigating scalability to commercial levels along with evaluating applicability and economic prospects.

Industry Expert Insights

Nobuo Hatanaka, Executive Officer of Gas Manufacturing and Engineering at Osaka Gas, commented on the significance of the project amidst a global shift towards carbon neutrality. He expressed the company's commitment to accelerating urban gas carbon neutrality and leveraging this proof of concept to gather engineering data that aids future scaling.

Koji Ochiai, Executive Officer in Low Carbon Solutions at INPEX, also highlighted the project's accomplishments, emphasizing their collaboration with Osaka Gas in creating one of the world’s largest methanation facilities. He reiterated their dedication to ensure safety and stability in operations while accumulating operational data that will inform future scalability developments.

Future Prospects of the Daigas Group

The Daigas Group is firmly committed to transitioning energy sources towards low-carbon options. Their roadmap focuses not only on shifting from coal and oil to natural gas but also on incorporating e-Methane and biogas into the energy mix by 2030. This strategy aims to minimize social costs while promoting a carbon-neutral society.

Conclusion

As the landscape of carbon-neutral initiatives evolves, the unveiling of the e-Methane facility by Osaka Gas and INPEX serves as a pivotal move in the gas industry's future. This innovative step is designed to contribute significantly to global efforts in achieving carbon neutrality while enhancing societal infrastructure sustainability. The ongoing collaboration between the two firms aims to establish the early societal implementation of CO2 methanation technologies, bringing us closer to a low-carbon future.

Company Profile

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters: 4-1-2 Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
• - CEO: Masataka Fujiwara
• - Established: April 10, 1897
• - Business Overview: Manufacturing and sales of gas, electricity generation, and sales.
• - Website: daigasgroup.com