Hitachi, Electrochaea Sign Technology Agreement to Produce Synthetic Methane in Japan

Under a five-year technology transfer and licensing agreement, Hitachi will deploy Electrochaea's commercial-scale power-to-methane technology to generate clean, synthetic methane at Japan’s first bio-methanation plant, with commissioning targeted in 2027. The agreement also allows Hitachi to purchase additional licenses to install Electrochaea’s bio-methanation technology throughout the country.

Electrochaea's power-to-methane technology will serve as a low-cost, drop-in replacement for natural gas fuel in Japan, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Deploying this technology may also support the country’s 2030 climate goals by achieving 5% carbon-neutralized gas via the injection of 1% synthetic methane into current infrastructure.

"We are delighted Hitachi has chosen Electrochaea's proprietary P2M technology to bring bio-methanation to Japan,” said Doris Hafenbradl, CTO and Managing Director, Electrochaea. “Partnering with a global energy leader strengthens our presence worldwide and will be key to our expansion throughout Asia. e-Methane can play an important role in realizing Japan's climate goals and we're proud that Electrochaea's technology has been validated by industry leaders."

BioCat Methanation System; image credit: Electrochaea

Japan will increase this target to 90% carbon-neutralized gas by 2050. The partnership also supports the country’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in 2030 compared to 2013 levels, in alignment with complete carbon neutrality by 2050.

More Hitachi News

In early May 2024, Hitachi Energy accelerated its global transformer manufacturing capacity to fulfill long-term electrification plans and demands. It invested more than $100 million toward upgrades and modernizations for a power transformer factory in Varennes and additional facilities in Montreal. Through Investissement Quebec, a portion of the Montreal-based funding is provided by the Government of Quebec.

The Varennes factory is Hitachi Energy’s top manufacturing location for large-scale power transformers in North America, assisting both regional and national power grids and serving utility-scale renewable energy projects. With the funding, a new transformer testing facility will be built onsite to meet Quebec’s increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. At a planned 130,000 square feet, the facility will support certification for power transformers manufactured in the Varennes factory. The testing location is slated for completion by the end of 2027.

An in April 2024, Hitachi Energy agreed to design and install a power quality solution for SP Energy Networks to enhance the flow of renewable energy from Scotland to England and stabilize the grid. SP Energy Networks’ substation in Eccles, United Kingdom is equipped with two sets of an SVC Light STATCOM and a synchronous condenser controlled by the MACH control system connected at a common central node.

The STATCOM installations use Hitachi Energy’s power electronics and the MACH control and protection solution to provide system strength, instant voltage control, and maximum power flow. The SVC Light STATCOM and synchronous condenser with combined control generate or absorb reactive power to manage the grid voltage and maintain system stability and resilience. A MACH Control System uses computers, micro-controllers, and digital signal processors to act as the control center for the SVC Light.