Masdar, Inpex join forces to study e-methane production
SUMMARY
The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of operating a methanation business in Abu Dhabi and exporting e-methane to Japan.
By Shardul SharmaMasdar, the UAE's renewable energy company, and Inpex, a Japanese energy company, have signed a collaboration agreement in Abu Dhabi to conduct a joint study on producing synthetic methane (e-methane) using green hydrogen and CO2, Inpex said on July 18.
The agreement was announced during the Japan-UAE business forum in the presence of prime minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The study will focus on the entire value chain, including hydrogen production, CO2 procurement, e-methane manufacturing, and transportation. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of operating a methanation business in Abu Dhabi and exporting e-methane to Japan. The study will also assess the economic viability and CO2 reduction effects of the project.
E-methane can be distributed through existing city gas infrastructure without requiring special fuel conversion, making it a convenient option for carbon neutralisation in sectors where electrification is challenging. It is expected to be used for power generation and transportation.
