Tokyo Gas, Mitsubishi plan synthetic methane supply chain

Tokyo Gas and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) are jointly exploring the feasibility for developing synthetic methane supply chains in LNG exporting countries, they said on November 26. The study will focus on producing synthetic methane from renewable electricity and CO₂ in North America, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

Production of synthetic methane requires the combination of green hydrogen derived from renewable energies produced overseas with locally captured CO₂. A supply chain that leverages existing infrastructure to liquefy and transport the methane will also need to be forged, the companies said.

The study will examine all issues pertinent to supply chains, from procurement of renewable energy and CO₂, to production of hydrogen and synthetic methane, and further still to liquefaction and transportation operations. It will include work aimed at determining the locations for production facilities and delivery terminals, as well as cost reduction.

The companies plan to conduct demonstrations at these locations. “Our hope is to make synthetic methane an important component within Japan’s future energy mix,” they said.