Mitsubishi Kakoki Begins Demonstration Testing of Methanation Equipment at Its Kawasaki Works
Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha, Ltd.. (Representative: Toshikazu Tanaka, Location: Kawasaki City) installed a demonstration equipment of a methanation at its Kawasaki Works in March 2026 as a part of its technological development aimed at reducing and effectively utilizing CO2. Demonstration testing commenced in May of the same year. Various tests will be conducted using this equipment, and based on the acquired data, we aim for the early practical application of the methanation.
About the Methanation Demonstration Equipment
Currently, many companies, including Mitsubishi Kakoki, are working to capture CO₂ and reduce its emission into the atmosphere. In this context, methanation technology, which generates methane by reacting captured CO₂ with hydrogen, is attracting attention as one method of effectively utilizing the captured CO₂, and we have also been developing this technology.
The demonstration unit equipment installed this time is an unit that converts CO₂ into methane using the Sabatier reaction (CO₂ + 4H₂ → CH₄ + 2H₂O) *1, and employs a two-stage reactor. The unit is designed to achieve a methane conversion rate of over 99%, with a production capacity of 12.5 Nm³/h. The generated methane is intended for use as a raw material for city gas and in various calorific value control facilities.
As one of the core elements of our Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2025-FY2027), announced in May 2025, we aim to expand the lines of our products and services for our GX businesses mostly in the areas of realizing a sustainable recycling society and clean energy, thereby serving as a partner in customers' efforts toward decarbonization. As part of our efforts to develop technologies related to the capture and utilization of CO₂ generated during the hydrogen production process, we have installed a demonstration unit *2 of a CO₂ capture equipment using the PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) method at our Kawasaki Works and have been continuing demonstration experiments.
Going forward, we will continue to promote the expansion of clean energy through the deepening of hydrogen-related technologies and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
*1: Sabatier reaction: A chemical reaction that uses a catalyst to produce methane and water from hydrogen and CO2.
*2: "Demonstration testing of CO2 capture equipment has begun" (July 19, 2024)
https://www.kakoki.co.jp/news/2024/07/post-380.html (Only in Japanese)
Note:
This announcement has been translated from the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the Japanese original, the original shall prevail.
