Nature on one side, and technology on the other. And science on both. "Pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere like trees do, is easier said than done". That is how an article from Nikkei Asia starts, and Carbon Credit Markets elaborate below: more innovative carbon capture technologies being developed in Japan.
Nagoya-based NGK Insulators is working on direct air capture of CO2 using Honeyceram, a ceramic catalyst used mainly in vehicles to clean auto emissions. Direct air capture involves using chemical reactions to absorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding atmosphere, which can then be stored underground or used to produce fuels or industrial chemicals. These facilities can work anywhere there is air, making them a good fit for deserts or other hard-to-utilize land.
NGK's demonstration plant, slated to start operations in fiscal 2025, is expected to be able to soak up hundreds to thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Another Nagoya-based company, Toho Gas is working on direct air capture technology that could be installed at liquefied natural gas terminals. Working with Nagoya University and other partners, Toho Gas's method uses the process involving natural gas and LNG to cool a solvent containing carbon dioxide to below minus 140 C, turning the CO2 into dry ice.
Toho Gas plans to build a prototype plant by fiscal 2024 that will absorb 1 tonne of carbon dioxide a year. Further tests are expected to begin at a scaled-up facility in fiscal 2029.
Worth reading this publication of “Toho Gas Group 2050 Carbon Neutrality Initiative”
Click on the image below (by NGK Insulators Ltd) to read more about these two projects in an article from Nikkei Asia.
Comments