Japanese steelmaker JFE Steel, speciality chemicals manufacturer Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, and diversified chemicals company Mitsubishi Chemical have linked up to develop a process to turn steelmaking by-product gases into methanol, which could then be used to manufacture propylene and other key chemicals.
The project will take place at the Mizushima Complex in Kurashiki City, a dense industrial hub housing all three companies in Japan. The objective is to deliver a working demonstration plant by 2026.
JFE Steel will supply by-product gases, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, from its steelmaking operations, while Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will construct a demonstration plant to produce methanol from these gases. Mitsubishi Chemical will then look towards using this methanol to produce propylene, which is a plastic feedstock used in the manufacture of packaging, textiles and automotive parts.
The project targets hard-to-abate emissions in steel and chemical production – two sectors that together account for around 20% of global CO2 emissions. The aim is to establish a replicable carbon recycling model across sectors.
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