Asahi Kasei, in collaboration with Kurashiki City, has officially launched a cutting-edge biogas purification system at the Kojima Sewage Treatment Plant in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. This advanced system leverages Asahi Kasei’s proprietary CO2 separation and recovery technology, utilizing zeolites to efficiently refine biogas. The project, which began in February 2025, aims to evaluate the system’s performance under real-world conditions, representing a significant leap forward in advancing renewable energy solutions in Japan and supporting the global push for carbon neutrality.

Commitment to Carbon Neutrality: A Strategic Partnership

The partnership between Asahi Kasei and Kurashiki City, formalized in September 2022, underscores their shared commitment to advancing decarbonization technologies. The biogas purification system is a key initiative in their broader goal to promote carbon neutrality. This collaboration demonstrates how technological innovation, such as Asahi Kasei’s advanced purification system, can contribute to achieving sustainable energy solutions in the chemical industry.

Zeolite and PVSA Technology: Cutting-Edge Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The purification system uses a highly efficient process combining zeolite technology with pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA). Zeolites selectively adsorb CO2, separating it from methane in biogas to produce high purity biomethane, a cleaner alternative to natural gas. Asahi Kasei’s PVSA technology enhances this process by using pressure changes to remove CO2 and recover methane, making the biogas suitable for energy generation and supporting decarbonization in the chemical sector.

Biogas as a Renewable Energy Source: A Game-Changer for the Chemical Industry

Biogas, generated from organic waste such as sewage sludge and food waste, typically contains around 60% methane and 40% CO2. The growing global interest in biogas as a renewable energy source, especially in Europe and the U.S., highlights the potential of technologies like Asahi Kasei’s biogas purification system. By providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy, the chemical industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on conventional energy sources.

Demonstration Trial and Path to Commercialization: Shaping the Future

The demonstration trial, starting in February 2025, will assess the system’s biogas refinement efficiency. Kurashiki City provides the biogas, while Asahi Kasei handles design, installation, and operation. If successful, the system could aid carbon capture and support a carbon-negative future. After the trials, Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize the system by 2027, expanding it to other regions for a more sustainable energy solution in the chemical sector.

Global Sustainability Vision

Asahi Kasei’s biogas purification system boosts energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact. Senior Executive Officer Osamu Matsuzaki highlighted that global partnerships will accelerate the adoption of this technology, advancing sustainability efforts. For the chemical industry, adopting biogas purification can transform energy strategies, offering cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels and supporting global sustainability goals.