Asahi Kasei, Mitsui, and Mitsubishi Collaborate on Decarbonizing Ethylene Production in Japan
- The companies aim to consolidate ethylene production at the Osaka facility by fiscal 2030.
- They plan to start commercial production of decarbonized chemicals by fiscal 2034.
- Revolefin™ technology will be used to produce ethylene and propylene from bioethanol.
- The Mizushima Plant will be dismantled after production ceases, with plans for site reuse.
Decarbonization Initiative
Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical have agreed to promote decarbonization and optimize production capacity for their ethylene manufacturing facilities in western Japan. They have been selected for the “Fiscal 2025 Support Program for Energy and Manufacturing Process Conversion in Hard-to-Abate Industries” by METI, focusing on using biomass feedstock as an alternative to petroleum-derived resources.
Facility Consolidation
The companies plan to establish a joint operating entity for the two ethylene production facilities, discontinuing operations at the Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp. facility in Mizushima and consolidating at the Osaka Petrochemical Industries facility by fiscal 2030.
Technological Advancements
Utilizing the HtA Support Program, they will install a facility to manufacture ethylene, propylene, and other decarbonized chemicals from bioethanol using Revolefin™ technology at Asahi Kasei's Mizushima Works. After verifying equipment performance, they aim to start joint commercial production by fiscal 2034.
Site Reuse and Carbon Neutrality
Following the dismantling of the Mizushima Plant, the companies will explore opportunities to use the vacated site to contribute to carbon neutrality. The initiative highlights the need for cooperation among petrochemical manufacturers to reduce GHG emissions and achieve carbon-neutral facilities.
Source: Asahi Kasei