Many companies are working in various ways to reduce CO2 emissions toward the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) is no exception. It has operated a hydrogen station and seven hydrogen-powered fuel cell forklifts (hereafter, FC forklifts) at its Niigata Plant since October 2022. MGC is also using two Toyota hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles as company vehicles.

The hydrogen station produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using PDC Machines' SimpleFuel™, a hydrogen refueling system for FC forklifts. The Niigata Plant has been purchasing Non-Fossil Certificates since April 2022 and uses electricity derived from renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen.

The FC forklifts are used to load and unload items for deliveries, produce zero CO2 emissions during operations, and can be refueled quickly. In FY2022, the FC forklifts were in operation for 387 hours, leading to a reduction in 1.5 tons of GHG emissions compared to conventional diesel forklifts. The forklifts are quickly proving to be effective in reducing CO2 emissions.

At the Niigata Plant, we aim to disseminate and demonstrate the value of hydrogen through the introduction of this hydrogen station, FC forklifts, and fuel cell vehicles, and we want to expand the horizons of hydrogen utilization. Yoshio Waguri and Yasuaki Kambe of the SX Department at the Niigata Plant speak of the initiative as such.

"In Niigata Prefecture, there are hydrogen stations at the Niigata Plant and another near the Niigata Prefectural Government Office. However, in terms of infrastructure, it's not widely spread compared to large cities. Some people are concerned that hydrogen stations are dangerous because they store hydrogen at high pressure. However, since safety measures are in place, I think it can be spread widely if we understand that hydrogen can be used safely. (Waguri)

"It is considered that issues remain for using fuel cell vehicles in logistics. For example, suppose there is no hydrogen station at a company where a truck is delivering goods. In that case, it will be difficult to return due to the distance. I believe we can reduce CO2 emissions drastically if companies install hydrogen stations and make refueling possible." (Kambe)

MGC has set the ambitious goal of reducing GHG emissions in 2023 by 38% compared to 2013 and has positioned initiatives aimed at the social implementation of carbon neutrality at the Niigata Plant at the core of this goal. The Niigata Plant is implementing the initiatives below in addition to the hydrogen station and FC forklifts mentioned earlier.

1. Energy conservation
Promotion of a reduction in the amount of energy used to produce chemicals.

2. Switch to Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources
From April 2022, to make 100% of purchased electricity virtually renewable by purchasing non-fossil certificates equivalent to the total purchased electricity.

3. Production of Circular Carbon Methanol
Production of methanol from waste products such as CO2 and plastics and then using the methanol produced as a raw material for plastics, fuel, and electricity production. Furthermore, the CO2 derived from the chemical process and spent plastics can be once again used as feedstocks for methanol. We have named this concept Circular Carbon Methanol Carbopath™. We have been implementing demonstration experiments of Carbopath™ since August 2021.

4. Promotion of CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage)
In addition to the production of Circular Carbon Methanol using CO2 mentioned above, conducting investigations leads to the underground storage of CO2 by injecting CO2 derived from our plant operation into gas fields.

"We have formulated various plans toward 2050 at the Niigata Plant. It will be challenging to achieve carbon neutrality unless we do what we can do now. " (Waguri)

A regional council for carbon neutrality and hydrogen utilization promotion is being held by Niigata Prefecture, and MGC is a participating member. Local governments and companies from inside and outside the prefecture are exchanging opinions on carbon neutrality, hydrogen utilization and regional infrastructure development.

"My honest impression from participating in the council was that both local governments and companies are struggling. Some large-scale emitters are troubled as they say, 'What we can do is limited.' We are also an energy-intensive industry, so everyone understands its difficulty. " (Kambe)

Nevertheless, MGC is standing up to the challenge. This is because their mission is "Creating value to share with society," and they want to contribute to the development of a sustainable society.

"Within the Mitsubishi Group as well, I hope we can advance our initiatives towards 2050 by collaborating across industry boundaries and combining the expertise of each company" (Waguri)

"By exchanging information, inspiring each other, and helping one another, I believe we can find good solutions. It would be great that the momentum expands beyond each company and we work together with the entire Mitsubishi Group." (Kambe)

Achieving carbon neutrality overnight is difficult. Now is the time for collaboration.