Sumitomo Chemical Successfully Initiates Operations at CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant

Sumitomo Chemical has successfully concluded the construction of a groundbreaking pilot facility designed to utilize CO2 generated through waste incineration and hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources to produce methanol. Methanol, a fundamental raw material in various chemical products such as adhesives, drugs, coating materials, and synthetic resins, along with light olefins like ethylene and propylene, holds a critical position in industrial applications, with approximately 80 million tons consumed annually. Presently, methanol is predominantly manufactured through processes involving high temperatures and pressures, relying heavily on fossil fuel resources such as natural gas and coal.

Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) is recognized as a crucial technology for recovering CO2 and incorporating it into valuable products.

Sumitomo Chemical has addressed these challenges with the introduction of an internal condensation reactor (ICR), a technological breakthrough enabling the condensation and separation of methanol and water – a feat not achievable with traditional methods. The ICR, developed in collaboration with Koji Omata of Shimane University Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, not only resolves issues related to smaller equipment requirements, improved yield, and higher energy efficiency but is also anticipated to prevent catalyst degradation.

Located at Sumitomo Chemical's Ehime Works in Niihama City, Japan, the pilot plant has been realized with the support of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Green Innovation Fund. As the pilot plant becomes operational, Sumitomo Chemical has set its sights on completing the technology demonstration by 2028. The company envisions transitioning to commercial production utilizing this innovative process and plans to license the technology to other entities in the 2030s.

Sumitomo Chemical's strides in advancing the CO2-to-methanol conversion process signify a significant leap toward sustainable and eco-friendly chemical production. By leveraging renewable energy sources and enhancing the efficiency of the conversion process, the company is not only addressing environmental challenges associated with traditional methanol manufacturing but is also aligning with the global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices.

The successful deployment of the pilot facility marks a pivotal step in Sumitomo Chemical's journey towards a more sustainable future. With the promise of enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and the potential for widespread industry adoption, the company's innovative approach to methanol production stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in mitigating the ecological footprint of industrial processes. As Sumitomo Chemical targets commercial production and technology licensing in the coming decade, the ripple effects of this advancement are poised to contribute significantly to the broader landscape of sustainable chemical manufacturing.