Asahi Kasei, in collaboration with Kurashiki City, has launched a biogas purification system at the Kojima sewage treatment plant, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions. The system is designed to evaluate and demonstrate Asahi Kasei’s advanced CO₂ separation and recovery technology, leveraging zeolites for efficient biogas purification.
Transforming Biogas into High-Purity Biomethane
Biogas, derived from sewage sludge and organic waste, typically consists of 60% methane and 40% CO₂. While biogas is widely recognized as a carbon-neutral fuel, its refinement into high-purity biomethane offers an even more effective alternative to natural gas, particularly in regions like Europe and the U.S. where biogas adoption is growing.
Asahi Kasei’s innovative pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) process—combined with a specialized zeolite—selectively adsorbs CO₂, enabling the efficient separation of methane. This technology allows:
✔ High methane recovery rates, maximizing energy efficiency
✔ Enhanced purity levels, making biomethane a viable alternative to fossil fuels
✔ Potential for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), reducing environmental impact
A Step Toward Carbon-Negative Solutions
Kurashiki City already generates electricity from biogas produced at the Kojima sewage plant. Now, with Asahi Kasei’s purification system, a portion of this biogas will be refined and reused for power generation, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. If the separated CO₂ is successfully stored or repurposed, the project could achieve a carbon-negative impact through CCUS implementation.
Scaling for Global Adoption by 2027
Following the successful demonstration trial in Kurashiki, Asahi Kasei plans to conduct additional trials in international markets where biogas purification is actively pursued. The company aims for full-scale commercialization by 2027, positioning this technology as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
“We are excited to start the on-site demonstration trial of a biogas purification system using Asahi Kasei’s zeolite and PVSA process technology,” said Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei. “By expanding co-creation partnerships globally, we will accelerate the advancement and practical implementation of this outstanding technology that can reduce environmental impacts, contributing to sustainability for the world.”
Driving the Future of Renewable Energy
Asahi Kasei’s zeolite-based PVSA technology represents a major advancement in biogas refinement, offering an efficient pathway toward carbon-neutral and carbon-negative energy solutions. With increasing global demand for clean energy alternatives, this innovation underscores Japan’s commitment to sustainability and climate-conscious technology.
As commercialization progresses, this breakthrough system could pave the way for widespread adoption of biomethane as a key energy source, helping to drive a cleaner, greener future for industries and communities worldwide. More Information