E-Methane: Emissions Reduction Potential Explained

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The text discusses e-methane, a synthetic fuel proposed as a replacement for natural gas due to its ability to utilize existing infrastructure and be stored. E-methane is considered effectively carbon-neutral because it is produced by recycling captured CO2.Its production often relies on the Sabatier method (combining CO2 and hydrogen), but this process can be heat-intensive and inefficient. research, such as a project in Yokohama City involving MHI, Osaka University, and JAXA, is focused on developing more efficient and less energy-intensive production methods, including updates to the Sabatier process.

As e-methane production scales up, ensuring its entire lifecycle (including production) is low-emission is crucial. To address this, MHI and Osaka Gas have partnered to launch the first digital platform in Japan’s city gas industry for managing clean gas certificates. This platform, using MHI’s CONNEX technology, allows companies to track and transfer detailed information about e-methane, such as the raw materials used, production methods, and lifecycle CO2 emissions. The platform is being demonstrated at the **

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What is E-Methane? A Sustainable Fuel Source

E-Methane, also known as renewable methane or synthetic natural gas (SNG), is a promising alternative fuel produced by combining captured carbon dioxide (CO2) with renewable hydrogen.This process,known as Power-to-Gas (PtG), offers a pathway to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional natural gas,which is extracted from the earth,E-Methane is created using renewable energy sources,making it a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative fuel.

The Power-to-Gas Process: How E-Methane is Made

The core of E-Methane production lies in the PtG process. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Renewable Energy generation: Electricity is generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro power.
2. Electrolysis: This electricity is used to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) through a process called electrolysis.
3. CO2 Capture: Carbon dioxide is captured from various sources, including industrial processes (cement factories, steel mills), biogas upgrading, or even directly from the air (Direct Air Capture – DAC).
4. Methanation: The captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen are combined in a methanation reactor, using a catalyst, to produce methane (CH4) – E-Methane – and water.

This process effectively closes the carbon cycle, utilizing CO2 that would otherwise contribute to climate change. the resulting E-Methane can then be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure for distribution and use.

Emissions Reduction Potential: Quantifying the Benefits

The potential for emissions reduction with E-methane is significant. Compared to conventional natural gas, E-Methane offers a meaningful advantage in terms of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. The extent of the reduction depends on the source of CO2 and the renewable energy used in production. Here’s a comparative look:

Fuel Source	Lifecycle GHG Emissions (g CO2e/MJ)
Conventional Natural Gas	50-60
E-Methane (with DAC)	-5 to 20
E-Methane (with industrial CO2 capture)	20-30