Idemitsu Kosan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to collaborate on the establishment of blue/carbon-free ammonia supply chain in Japan and Korea.
According to Idemitsu Kosan, ammonia, which does not emit CO2 when combusted, is expected to become a next-generation fuel contributing to the realization of a carbon neutral society. It is particularly attracting attention as a fuel for power generation, especially coal-fired power generation.
On the other hand, the reduction of CO2 emissions through the manufacturing process remains as a challenge. Thus, the production, procurement, and use of blue ammonia, which is produced by capturing and utilizing CO2 generated in the manufacturing process, and carbon-free ammonia using renewable energy, are now being developed.
As explained, Idemitsu plans to trial ammonia co-firing using existing naphtha cracking furnaces and coal boilers at the Tokuyama Complex (Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), with a view to supplying CO2-free ammonia to neighboring industrial complexes by establishing an ammonia import terminal utilizing our existing infrastructure in the future. KEPCO, Korea’s largest power producer, aims to co-fire CO2-free ammonia at its own coal-fired power plants.
Under this MOU, both companies, heading toward concrete efforts to utilize fuel ammonia, will study the following collaboration items to accelerate the establishment of a blue/carbon-free ammonia supply chain in Japan and Korea.
In conclusion, Idemitsu will continue to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society through collaboration with various companies in Japan and abroad.
