The Japanese government will lead a public-private effort to develop technology recycling carbon dioxide into burnable fuel to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Working with 19 private-sector businesses, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will set up a council tasked with addressing the national goal as soon as this month.
METI plans to have synthetic methane comprise at least 1 percent of heating gas in 2030, then raise that proportion to 90 percent in 2050. Synthetic methane made from carbon dioxide now costs about 350 yen ($3.19) per cubic metre. The body will form part of Japan’s growth strategy to be completed later in June. Members will share relevant technology for turning captured carbon dioxide into methane, a main component of heating gas. The council will also deliberate on rules governing carbon dioxide trading.
Producing synthetic methane is expensive because the gas requires hydrogen made with renewable energy. The goal is to reduce the cost to between 40 and 50 yen, which would be comparable to liquefied natural gas.
Inpex and NEDO will finish developing the core technology this fiscal year to cut costs. The two aim to reach a commercialisation phase by the 2030s in which the operation can process 7,500 times more carbon dioxide than is now recycled at the test facility.
For more information visit www.inpex.co.jp
