FUJIFILM Corporation is always exploring new ways to reduce its environmental impact. In 2022, initiated a pilot project for a comprehensive partnership. FUJIFILM Corporation signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the energy provider Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Minamiashigara City, the location of the Ashigara Site of the Kanagawa Factory which manufactures advanced materials. This action sets the stage for establishing a carbon-neutral*1 manufacturing model.
- *1 Zero CO2 emissions from manufacturing (Scope 1 and 2)
The agreement between the three parties creates a pilot project focused on methanation, a process of synthesizing methane from CO2 and hydrogen. Methane is the main component of natural gas, used as fuel. The CO2 emitted by the factory’s gas-consuming equipment (facilities for co-generating heat and power) is captured and combined with hydrogen in a chemical reaction to produce synthetic methane. This replaces natural gas.
The use of synthetic methane offsets carbon emissions by separating and capturing CO2. No additional CO2 is produced when the synthetic methane is used for manufacturing.
By producing fuel that is free from carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources to power this pilot project, we are aiming to establish a carbon-neutral model in manufacturing.
Conceptual diagram of carbon-neutral manufacturing model
Through this agreement, the three parties will work together to address wider potential impacts of this model, including carbon-neutral urban development and local energy production for local consumption. Partners will be sought in neighboring companies, local authorities and cooperating firms, not limiting the carbon neutrality efforts solely to the factory, but aiming for decarbonization in the entire area.
