Osaka Gas to synthesize methane from non-fossil raw materials, considering commercialization in rice
Image of the methanation business
(Source: Osaka Gas)
Osaka Gas USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas, owns and operates energy infrastructure such as natural gas pipelines, Tallgrass MLP Operations, and a bioethanol plant, Green Plains. (Green Plains) to explore the feasibility of a methanation project to produce synthetic methane (e-methane) in the Midwestern United States. Announced on December 22, 2022.
The project will use biomass-derived CO2 recovered from a bioethanol plant owned and operated by Green Plains and hydrogen obtained by reforming natural gas (blue hydrogen) to produce up to 200,000 tons annually by 2030. of synthetic methane. We are also considering the possibility of using hydrogen derived from renewable energy (green hydrogen) in the future.
First, by around July, we will consider the feasibility of a methanation plant technical review, a survey of suitable sites for the capture and storage (CCS) of CO2 generated during blue hydrogen production, and a business feasibility evaluation. In parallel with this project, Osaka Gas USA will also examine a scheme for liquefying synthetic methane at the Freeport LNG Terminal and exporting it to Japan.
Synthetic methane is synthetic methane produced from non-fossil energy sources such as CO2 and green hydrogen. Since existing city gas infrastructure and consumption equipment can be used, it is possible to smoothly transition to carbon neutrality and reduce social costs. Furthermore, it is expected to be used in the fields of power generation and transportation.
In order to popularize synthetic methane, the Daigas Group is proceeding with studies on multiple methanations in Australia, Southeast Asia, South America, North America, etc., in addition to technological development and demonstration in Japan.
