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In a significant advancement for the clean energy sector, Inpex Corporation, Osaka Gas Co., and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have forged an agreement to establish the first system for managing clean gas certificates in the city gas industry. This innovative approach aims to certify the environmental value of e-methane—an essential component in the transition to sustainable energy—developed through a collaborative initiative between Osaka Gas and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Nagaoka methanation demonstration project, situated at Inpex's Nagaoka facility in Niigata Prefecture, will utilize hydrogen and carbon dioxide extracted from the Koshijihara plant to produce e-methane. This produced gas will then be injected into Inpex's natural gas pipeline, promoting a model of local production and consumption.

At the heart of this initiative is the CO2nnex platform, designed for the visualization and management of the CO2 supply chain. It will facilitate the tracking and transfer of clean gas certificates generated during the demonstration, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity of environmental claims associated with e-methane.

With a focus on not only e-methane but also other gaseous fuels, such as synthetic methane and biomethane, the companies plan to expand their certification system. This broader scope is intended to enhance the management of environmental values linked to these fuels, leveraging the data and insights gained from the initiative.

In pursuing these goals, Inpex, Osaka Gas, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are committed to contributing to a carbon-neutral society. Their combined efforts reflect a strategic response to the pressing challenges of climate change, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in the energy transition. As they work toward practical applications of CO2 methanation, they aim to set a precedent for sustainable energy solutions that can reshape the future of energy consumption and production.