#Japan #Tokyo #MA-T #Osaka University #Bio-methanol

Innovative Bio-Methanol Synthesis from Biogas

In an exciting development for sustainable energy, Earth Company and Osaka University have announced a new method to synthesize bio-methanol from biogas, primarily composed of methane. This breakthrough utilizes the cutting-edge oxidation control technology known as MA-T®, which aims to facilitate social implementation across various sectors.

Introduction to MA-T® Technology

MA-T® stands for an innovative oxidation control technique spearheaded by Earth Company. The technology is being further expanded through the general incorporated association, Japan MA-T Industrial Association. This organization promotes the application of MA-T® across numerous fields, including infection control, pharmaceutical development, food safety, agriculture, and energy.

Collaboration with Osaka University and Daiwa House Industry

The research collaboration between Osaka University and Daiwa House Industry has yielded impressive results. The new synthesis method allows for the conversion of 89% of input methane into bio-methanol under standard temperature and pressure conditions. This technology is particularly significant as it taps into non-fossil-based biogas derived from food waste and livestock manure, presenting a promising path towards decarbonization, bypassing traditional natural gas sources required for methanol production.

Historically, methanol production has relied on high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis reactions using natural gas, making it vulnerable to international market fluctuations. The emergence of domestic production capabilities is not only timely but necessary. Dr. Takashi Okubo of Osaka University achieved an initial success in 2017 by synthesizing methanol from air and methane at room conditions, achieving a conversion rate of 14%. However, with the collaboration of Daiwa House from 2022, significant improvements were made through the selection of novel reaction solvents and adjustments in light irradiation conditions, ultimately achieving a sixfold increase in conversion efficiency, reaching an impressive 89%.

Addressing Social Challenges

The innovation doesn't stop there. The researchers anticipate that this new synthesis process will lead to smaller manufacturing equipment, drastically reducing the size of systems needed to produce bio-methanol to one-sixth of the traditional scale. This miniaturization promotes decentralized production and broader adoption of biogas utilization, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction efforts.

The Japan MA-T Industrial Association, established to enhance the recognition and value of MA-T®, has already garnered attention and acclaim, having received the Grand Prize in the Cabinet Office-hosted 2024 Japan Open Innovation Awards. This significant achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of leading companies and institutions focused on innovation.

Engage with Us

Interested stakeholders in business ventures are encouraged to reach out to the Earth Company MA-T Business Center at 03-5207-7788 for more information or inquiries regarding this groundbreaking technology.

The journey towards sustainable energy solutions continues, and with the development of MA-T® and its applications in biogas conversion, we step closer to addressing environmental challenges while fortifying energy security through domestic solutions.