Mitsubishi Gas Chemical starts methanol demonstration plant using industrial gases and CO2
- The Mizushima demonstration facility began methanol production in September 2026.
- It produces 100 tons of methanol per year by reacting hydrogen with steelmaking by‑product gas and CO2.
- The plant is built as a relocatable mobile unit with automatic start/stop functions and a Remote Technical Support Room at MGC's Niigata Plant.
- The supply‑chain demonstration is run with JFE Steel and Mitsubishi Chemical and has METI subsidy support for FY2024–2026 plus Kurashiki City investment incentives.
Start and stakeholders
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical completed a methanol production demonstration facility at its Mizushima Plant and commenced production in September 2026. The project is a supply‑chain demonstration conducted in collaboration with JFE Steel Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; representatives from METI, Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City and project partners attended the facility opening.
Technology and capacity
The Demonstration Facility converts diverse gases, including CO2 and industrial by‑product gases, by directly reacting them with hydrogen to produce methanol. MGC confirmed a production capacity of 100 tons per year and that the produced methanol meets the quality of conventional commercially available product.
Mobility and operations
The plant is designed as a mobile, relocatable unit to enable demonstrations at multiple sites and downstream supply‑chain trials. It includes a newly developed automatic startup/shutdown function and is supported remotely via a Remote Technical Support Room at MGC's Niigata Plant to reduce on‑site operational workload.
Support and next steps
The facility has received METI Agency for Natural Resources and Energy subsidies for FY2024–2026 and certification under Kurashiki City's capital investment incentive program. MGC will continue technical demonstrations, accumulate operating data for commercial application, relocate the facility for varied raw‑material trials, and expand remote support services for future customers.
Source: MGC