Mitsubishi, Infinium eye electrofuels business in Japan

Mitsubishi, Infinium eye electrofuels business in Japan

Tokyo, 26 April (Argus) — Japanese engineering firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI) has signed an intial agreement in February with US-based electrofuels producer Infinium to explore the electrofuel business in Japan.

The firms will leverage on MHI's technology of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) to produce electrofuels, while Infinium's catalyser technology will allow for production from renewably sourced hydrogen and CO2.

A concrete plan has not been decided, but electrofuel output capacity could be at 1,000-2,500 b/d, Mitsubishi said.

The companies anticipate the project will contribute to Japan's transition towards carbon neutrality — especially for the long-haul track transportation, shipping and aviation sectors — with CO2 emissions expected to be reduced by 97pc compared with conventional fossil fuels. The alternative fuel can also use existing infrastructure, according to the companies.

MHI in January last year invested in Infinium with US firm Amazon, UK-based AP Ventures, and other organisations to accelerate its CCUS business, eyeing electrofuels as an alternative option to cut CO2 emissions from sectors that face challenges with electrification.