INPEX Corporation, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have initiated operations of a new system designed to manage Clean Gas Certificates, as part of a demonstration project aimed at reducing and utilizing CO2 emissions through a large-scale methanation system.
The Nagaoka Methanation Demonstration produces e-methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide sourced from the Koshijihara Plant at the INPEX JAPAN Nagaoka Field Office. The e-methane will be distributed to customers via INPEX JAPAN's natural gas pipeline, following its certification as a clean gas production facility in January 2026.
The system, developed by Osaka Gas and MHI using the CO2NNEX digital platform, is a first in the city gas industry for transferring and managing Clean Gas Certificates, which certify the environmental value of e-methane. The initiative aims to convert the environmental value of e-methane into Clean Gas Certificates and manage them in collaboration with Nagaoka City and neighboring commercial firms.
CO2NNEX provides data visualization and central management capabilities, allowing for advanced progress tracking of the entire demonstration project. The platform integrates input data, such as e-methane production and CO2 emissions, with output data for effective management.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to conduct a demonstration project for Environmental Value Certificates for next-generation fuels. The operations of CO2NNEX in the Nagaoka Methanation Demonstration are expected to set a precedent for establishing a certificate system, contributing to the practical application of e-methane and the realization of a carbon-neutral society.