Marubeni Corporation, PERU LNG, and Osaka Gas have embarked on a groundbreaking venture. The collaborative effort aims to initiate a Preliminary-Front End Engineering and Design study for a project that could revolutionize gas decarbonization.
By producing e-methane from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2), this innovative Methanation Project has the potential to reshape Peru’s energy landscape and contribute to the global transition to carbon-neutral gas.
E-methane, a term denoting methane produced from green hydrogen and CO2, holds a transformative promise for the energy sector. With a chemical composition identical to natural gas, e-methane can seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure such as natural gas pipelines. This quality not only facilitates its adoption but also positions it as a formidable candidate for the decarbonization of gas networks.
The Japanese government’s 6th Strategic Energy Plan, unveiled in 2021, outlines ambitious targets for e-methane integration into the existing gas infrastructure. With aims to achieve a 1% uptake by 2030 and a staggering 90% by 2050, the plan underscores the significance of transitioning towards carbon-neutral gas. Marubeni’s Methanation Project strategically aligns with these goals, marking a crucial step towards realizing these ambitious objectives.
The initiative’s foundation is built upon a thorough initial study conducted since July 2022. The study meticulously evaluated the feasibility of harnessing renewable energy and sourcing ample CO2 to produce around 60,000 tons of e-methane annually. The study’s findings reaffirmed Peru’s rich renewable energy resources—spanning solar, wind, and hydropower—which, combined with the CO2 reserves at PERU LNG liquefaction terminal, provide a potent combination for cost-competitive e-methane production.
The forthcoming Pre-FEED study is set to be a comprehensive endeavor, delving into intricate aspects of the project’s execution. This phase will encompass discussions on the procurement of renewable energy and raw materials, precise plant construction specifications, and meticulous economic evaluations. These granular evaluations will serve as a foundation for Marubeni, Osaka Gas, and PERU LNG to gauge the viability of the project, with the aim of reaching an investment decision by 2025. The anticipated timeline sets the stage for potential e-methane production and sales initiation by 2030.
Marubeni’s foray into e-methane production isn’t just an industrial endeavor; it embodies a broader commitment to global climate change mitigation. The venture resonates with the principles outlined in Marubeni’s Long-Term Vision on Climate Change, solidified in March 2021. This vision, coupled with the Green Strategy encapsulated in the Mid-Term Management Strategy “GC2024,” articulated in February 2022, underscores Marubeni’s dedication to driving meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change.
The Methanation Project, driven by Marubeni’s collaboration with PERU LNG and Osaka Gas, exemplifies the convergence of innovation, sustainability, and strategic foresight. With the potential to revolutionize the gas industry by introducing e-methane as a cleaner alternative, this initiative underscores the pivotal role that cutting-edge technology and cross-industry collaboration play in shaping a greener and more sustainable future.
