Japanese collaboration launches study on biomethane production, use

Six Japanese entities—Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Takanashi Milk Products, Hokkaido Gas, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and MOL Sunflower—announced on August 19 the launch of a study on the production and utilisation of biomethane from animal manure sourced from local dairy farms in Hamanaka Town.

In this study, the six organisations will assess the feasibility of using all or part of the biomethane produced in Hamanaka Town to fuel factories and vessels. Biomethane is considered an effective energy source in the pursuit of decarbonisation, as it can be utilised within existing infrastructure for transport and consumption. Each participating organisation will contribute its respective expertise and experience to this collaborative study.

Currently, LNG is being used as a low-carbon fuel alternative to conventional fuels such as coal and oil, with the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25%-40% in factories and vessels compared to traditional fuels.