Grand opening of biogas purification system at Kojima plant

Asahi Kasei and Kurashiki City officially launched a biogas purification system at the Kojima Sewage Treatment Plant in Japan with a grand opening ceremony held on 4 February 2025. The system, which uses Asahi Kasei’s CO₂ separation technology with zeolites, separates CO₂ and methane from biogas, enhancing biomethane production. This initiative aligns with a partnership focused on advancing carbon neutrality and decarbonisation.

The system employs a zeolite adsorbent and pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) technology to refine methane, converting biogas from sewage sludge into high-purity biomethane. Additionally, it supports carbon capture and storage (CCUS) by potentially utilising or storing the separated CO₂.

Asahi Kasei is overseeing the design, installation, and performance evaluation of the system, while Kurashiki City supplies the biogas. The commercial launch is expected by 2027, with future trials planned in regions utilising biogas purification.

At the opening ceremony, Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei, remarked: "We are thrilled to kick off this demonstration trial and showcase our pioneering biogas purification technology. By expanding global co-creation partnerships, we aim to accelerate the deployment of this technology, driving sustainability and reducing environmental impacts worldwide."

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