Idemitsu looks into clean hydrogen production generated from waste

Energy company Idemitsu Kosan has launched a feasibility study of clean hydrogen production in Japan generated from waste, including municipal waste.

The study is conducted in collaboration with US-based H-Cycle (HC), a developer of a thermal conversion process that uses heat and electricity to transform waste into hydrogen with minimal emissions, and Idemitsu said the goal is to launch the first hydrogen production facility, capable of processing 200-300 tonnes of waste per day, around 2030.

The Japanese company stated that hydrogen production now being considered by the two companies will use waste discharged in Japan, including municipal waste, as raw material, adding that the system will convert these waste products into high-value-added clean hydrogen using an integrated gasification and plasma polishing process for which HC holds exclusive rights to deploy in Japan.

Idemitsu pointed out that by utilising resources such as waste as raw material, clean hydrogen can be produced and supplied domestically, and this kind of production in various regions of Japan will be possible through collaboration with local governments.

It said: “By installing this integrated gasification and plasma polishing process as a waste treatment facility in each region to produce hydrogen, it is possible to reduce transportation costs and develop supply bases for hydrogen that is locally produced and consumed. We aim to spread efficient waste treatment technology and realise local production for local consumption of energy.”

The clean hydrogen produced is expected to be used not only for industrial and mobility applications but also as raw material for synthetic fuels, Idemitsu noted.