Start of a Hydrogen Supply Chain Construction/Demonstration Project by Methanation Utilizing Hydrogen Derived from Renewable Energy Sources and Biogas Derived from Kitchen Waste in Urban Areas

Overview

In a demonstration project launched by the Ministry of the Environment, Osaka Gas started a demonstration project in fiscal 2022 to build a supply chain that methanates hydrogen from renewable energy sources and biogas produced by fermentation of kitchen waste and that subsequently transports the produced methane through piping for use by city gas consuming appliances, with the aim of creating a carbon-neutral society.

Background

This project is a model for local production and consumption of energy utilizing hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and unused local biomass—that is, kitchen waste—with the aim of reducing CO₂ emissions by substituting natural gas with e-methane.

Details

Our methanation technology combines biomethanation using biological reaction and Sabatier methanation enabled by a catalyst to produce e-methane.

First, the entire process will be built on the premises of the waste incineration plant (Maishima Plant) in Konohana Ward, Osaka City. For kitchen waste used in the proving test, we will utilize the food residues provided by Life Corporation. Subsequently, the equipment will be relocated to the venue of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan to produce e-methane from biogas derived from kitchen waste generated at the venue. The produced e-methane will be used in kitchen gas stoves and heat supply equipment at the venue. Increasing the volume of e-methane production during the Expo by adding recovered high-purity CO2 as a raw material is under consideration.