Regional CCU™
CO₂ is the most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. In order to prevent global warming, we need to reduce actual CO₂ emissions as much as possible. Therefore, we are working on developing Carbon dioxide Capture Utilization (CCU) technology, which can contribute to curbing global warming by capturing CO₂ emitted from factories and other facilities and using it as energy and resources. We will utilize the various technologies we have cultivated to realize a carbon-neutral society that will be passed on to the next generation.
What is “CCU”?
CCU is an abbreviation for Carbon dioxide Capture Utilization, and refers to the capture and utilization of CO2. For example, CO₂ generated by burning fuel such as city gas in a factory kiln is recovered and reacted with electricity derived from renewable energy and hydrogen produced from water to synthesize methane, the main component of city gas. The process of using this synthetic methane again as fuel is called CCU.
Regional CCU™
"Regional CCU™" is an initiative that aims to utilize CCU to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire local community. Starting with companies that emit CO₂, we will establish a carbon recycling process that makes use of the characteristics of the region, thereby bringing CO₂ emissions close to virtually zero while also resolving local social issues and revitalizing the region. We will work together with other companies and local governments to make this a reality.
-
(1)Reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in factories
The combination of oxygen-enriched combustion and CO₂ capture significantly reduces the amount of energy required for furnaces and boilers, as well as CO₂ emissions.
-
(2)Utilization of captured CO₂
The emitted CO₂ is utilized to produce raw materials in factories and promote plant growth, thereby contributing to the local community and the environment. We will also visualize the process from CO₂ capture to utilization and provide proof of the entire process.
-
(3)Capturing CO₂ and producing methane
CO₂ emitted in the region is captured and methane is produced, realizing a carbon cycle.
-
(4)Supplying electricity from renewable energy sources at low cost
By coordinating with methane production to adjust surplus electricity, it becomes possible to provide a stable and low-cost supply of electricity derived from renewable energy sources.
-
(5)Purchasing surplus household electricity at a high price
By adjusting the amount of surplus electricity, electricity generated from renewable energy sources is continuously purchased at a high price, allowing local residents to install solar power generation systems without worry.
-
(6)CO₂ reduction and regional revitalization
By circulating local energy and CO₂, we minimize CO₂ emissions. We will create a sustainable city that makes use of current industries and lifestyles.
Technologies used in CCU
-
Oxygen-enriched combustion
Using technology developed for oxygen concentrators*, we can increase the oxygen concentration in combustion support gas, making it possible to reduce fuel gas consumption and CO₂ emissions. In addition, as the CO₂ concentration in exhaust gas increases, it becomes easier to capture CO₂ as well.
-
Capturing CO₂ and concentration
Using the technology developed with the oxygen concentrator*, it is possible to capture CO₂ from exhaust gases and concentrate it to a usable level. Furthermore, we are considering liquefaction for the transportation of CO₂ that has been further concentrated to high levels.
*For more information on oxygen concentrators, click here
-
Hydrogen Production
Utilizing the technology we have developed for solid electrolytes*, it is possible to produce hydrogen from electricity and water using SOEC. This enables highly efficient hydrogen production by combining waste heat from methanation and other sources.
*For more information on solid electrolytes, click here
-
Synthetic methane production
It is possible to produce methane, the main component of city gas, through methanation using the captured CO₂ and hydrogen. We convert input energy into renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality.