Feasibility study on CO2 capture and methanation

The purpose of the study, with an eye to pursuing the CO₂-free methane gas production business in the future, is to investigate the potential for such a business by identifying issues and acquiring basic information that will form the basis for business feasibility evaluations.

Specifically, JERA plans to evaluate the potential—including area, scale, and economic feasibility—of developing a methanation business that would produce CO₂-free methane gas from hydrogen generated using low-cost renewable energy and CO₂ captured from existing thermal power plants and refineries in the US.

Because methanation enables the production of CO₂-free LNG from CO₂-free methane gas, JERA believes it to be a promising technology for utilising existing LNG-related infrastructure to achieve low-cost decarbonisation in Japan and other countries around the world.

JERA will conduct the study from June 2021 to February 2022, leveraging the expertise of its subsidiary, JERA Americas Inc., which promotes renewable energy development and hydrogen utilisation in addition to its gas-fired power generation and LNG production businesses in the US.

Under its ‘JERA Zero CO₂ Emissions 2050’ objective, JERA has been working to eliminate CO₂ emissions from its domestic and overseas businesses by 2050, promoting the adoption of greener fuels and pursuing thermal power that does not emit CO₂ during power generation. JERA will continue to contribute to energy industry decarbonisation through its own proactive efforts to develop decarbonisation technologies while ensuring economic rationality.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/16062021/feasibility-study-on-co2-capture-and-methanation/