Mitsubishi Electric to Demonstrate Advanced CO2 Capture Technology Developed by Taiwan’s ITRI
In a significant step toward achieving carbon neutrality, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) has announced plans to conduct a demonstration of cutting-edge CO2 capture technology. The project will utilize a CO2 capture machine developed by Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and installed at Mitsubishi Electric’s Advanced Technology R&D Center in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. The demonstration, set to begin on June 9, will run until September 2027, marking a pivotal effort in advancing sustainable technologies.
This initiative is part of Mitsubishi Electric’s broader commitment to addressing climate change through innovative solutions. In April 2024, the company signed a basic agreement with ITRI to collaborate on research targeting sustainability technologies. Since then, the two organizations have been working closely to develop and refine carbon dioxide capture and utilization (CCU) systems. These systems aim to separate and capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources such as power plants and factories, converting the recovered CO2 into valuable products like fuel and chemicals.
Testing the Efficiency of Solid Adsorption Technology
The upcoming demonstration will focus on evaluating the performance of ITRI’s CO2 capture machine when connected to a steam-generating boiler. Specifically, Mitsubishi Electric will assess the machine’s ability to capture CO2 contained in the flue gas emitted by the boiler. Unlike traditional liquid absorption methods, the machine employs a solid adsorption process, which offers several advantages in terms of efficiency and energy savings.
In the solid adsorption method, CO2 molecules are adsorbed onto a specialized solid adsorbent material. Once the adsorbent is saturated, it is heated to release and recover the captured CO2. This recovered CO2 can then be utilized for various applications, including reduction processes to produce useful compounds. By contrast, conventional liquid absorption methods rely on an aqueous solution of amine—a chemical substance primarily composed of nitrogen atoms that can absorb CO2. While effective, this approach requires significant energy to evaporate the aqueous solution during the CO2 recovery process, leading to substantial energy losses.
The solid adsorption method eliminates the need for evaporation, drastically reducing the energy required for CO2 capture. This innovation not only enhances the overall efficiency of the process but also aligns with global efforts to minimize energy consumption in industrial operations. If successful, the technology could play a critical role in developing comprehensive CCU systems that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.
A Collaborative Effort Toward Sustainability
The partnership between Mitsubishi Electric and ITRI exemplifies the importance of international collaboration in tackling climate change. By combining Mitsubishi Electric’s expertise in advanced engineering and system integration with ITRI’s groundbreaking research in CO2 capture technologies, the two organizations are poised to make meaningful progress in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. John Chen, Director of ITRI’s Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Electric represents a shared vision of leveraging science and technology to combat climate change. The solid adsorption method we’ve developed has the potential to revolutionize how industries manage their carbon footprints, paving the way for more sustainable practices worldwide.”
Mitsubishi Electric shares this vision, emphasizing the role of CCU systems in creating a circular carbon economy. “By capturing and repurposing CO2, we can transform what was once considered waste into valuable resources,” said Hiroshi Takahashi, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Electric’s Environmental Solutions Division. “This demonstration is a crucial step toward realizing that vision and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.”
Implications for Global Carbon Neutrality Goals
The demonstration holds immense promise for industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Power plants and factories are among the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, making them prime targets for implementing advanced capture technologies. By adopting the solid adsorption method, these facilities could significantly lower their energy costs while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprints.
Moreover, the recovered CO2 can be utilized in a variety of ways, further enhancing the economic viability of CCU systems. For instance, CO2 can be converted into synthetic fuels, methanol, or other chemical feedstocks, providing industries with sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials. This dual benefit—reducing emissions while generating value—positions CCU systems as a cornerstone of global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.
A Blueprint for Future Innovations
The success of this demonstration could serve as a blueprint for scaling up CO2 capture and utilization technologies across industries. Mitsubishi Electric and ITRI are committed to refining the solid adsorption method and exploring additional applications for the recovered CO2. Their ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive CCU system that not only captures emissions but also integrates seamlessly into existing industrial processes.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, initiatives like this highlight the transformative potential of collaboration and technological innovation. By harnessing the strengths of both organizations, Mitsubishi Electric and ITRI are setting a new standard for sustainable development.
