Asahi Kasei and Kurashiki City inaugurated a biogas purification system at the Kojima Sewage Treatment Plant in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. This system utilizes Asahi Kasei’s advanced CO2 separation and recovery technology, which relies on zeolites, to refine biogas. The project aims to evaluate and demonstrate the system’s prformance in real-world conditions.
Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
The partnership between Asahi Kasei and Kurashiki City began on September 15, 2022, with a comprehensive agreement to support carbon neutrality. As part of this initiative, both entities committed to advancing decarbonization technologies. This includes the demonstration trial of this biogas purification system.
Cutting-Edge Zeolite and PVSA Technology
The system efficiently separates CO2 and methane from biogas using a specialized zeolite and a pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) process. Zeolites, crystalline aluminosilicates with precise pore structures, selectively adsorb CO2, enabling high-efficiency gas separation. Asahi Kasei’s PVSA technology then enhances the purification process by leveraging pressure changes to remove CO2 and extract high-purity biomethane at a high recovery rate.
Biogas as a Renewable Energy Source
Biogas, generated from sewage sludge, food waste, and other organic materials, typically contains about 60% methane and 40% CO2. Global interest in biomethane as a natural gas alternative is growing, especially in Europe and the U.S. Technologies like Asahi Kasei’s purification system are crucial for advancing renewable energy solutions.
Demonstration Trial and Future Plans
Kurashiki City currently uses biogas from sewage sludge at the Kojima Sewage Treatment Plant to generate electricity. The newly launched system will process a portion of this biogas for testing. If the separated CO2 is captured and utilized, the system could support carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), achieving a carbon-negative impact.
The demonstration trial, which began in February 2025, will assess the system’s efficiency in refining biogas. Asahi Kasei is responsible for designing, installing, and operating the system, while Kurashiki City provides the biogas supply and the trial site. After successful trials, Asahi Kasei plans commercialization by 2027. It also aims to expand implementation to other biogas purification regions.
A Vision for Global Sustainability
“Asahi Kasei is excited to commence the on-site demonstration of our biogas purification system utilizing zeolite and PVSA technology,” said Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of Corporate Research and Development.
Matsuzaki added, “By expanding our partnerships globally, we aim to accelerate the adoption of this innovative technology, contributing to a more sustainable world.”
As reported by businesswire.com, Asahi Kasei’s purification system refines biogas efficiently. It also reduces environmental impact, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.
