Sustainability Topics (Environment) | Sustainability |Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation

Nippon Sanso Holdings creates new value for society through innovative gas solutions, contributing to the development of all manner of industries and fostering more comfortable futures for humankind, for society, and for the earth. This aspiration is embodied in our Group Vision, shared by our employees and serving as motivation for the Group to work together for sustainability management. The Group engages in a wide variety of sustainability initiatives across the globe. We believe that working to help resolve issues for humankind, for society, and for the earth leads to higher levels of social value and economic value, while also enhancing the corporate value of the Nippon Sanso Holdings Group.

EnvironmentUnited StatesMATHESON Signs Oxygen Supply Contract for DAC Plant

Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc (MATHESON) entered into an oxygen supply agreement with 1PointFive, which engages in the direct air capture (DAC)* business, capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, to provide oxygen to its first DAC plant being constructed in Texas.
Oxygen is used in the DAC process and CO₂ generated in the DAC process is safely isolated in the storage layers. This DAC plant is scheduled to start operations around mid-2025, and is projected to capture 500,000 tons of CO₂ annually, making it one of the largest in the world. The Group is actively seeking potential customers and projects that advance the realization of a carbon-neutral society, while carefully examining and expanding its business.

* Direct air capture (DAC): The technology that 1PointFive will utilize, which was developed by Carbon Engineering of Canada, absorbs CO2 from the air using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution.

MATHESON Signs Oxygen Supply Contract for DAC Plant

EnvironmentJapanLaunch of a 10 Ton/Day Scale CO₂ Capture System to Contribute to Realization of a Carbon-Neutral Society

Taiyo Nippon Sanso has developed, commercialized, and began selling a CO₂ capture system using the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) method, which is capable of capturing CO₂ at a concentration of 98% or higher from high-concentration CO₂ emission sources such as lime kilns. This initiative is a step toward carbon neutrality that leverages our accumulated gas separation and refining technologies to advance the development of CO₂ capture equipment. The system can collect CO₂ and use the highly concentrated CO₂ as a raw material for carbonates or methanation. We will continue to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by combining CO₂ capture systems with our accumulated gas and liquefied CO₂ production and supply technologies, utilizing the gas supply network for CO₂ capture and other applications.

Rendering of CO2 capture system

EnvironmentUnited StatesCelebration of World Environment Day

In commemoration of World Environment Day, Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc (MATHESON) and L&T Energy, in partnership with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), planted trees at the construction site of a planned hydrogen facility in India, celebrating this special day. In December 2022, NSHD and MATHESON received an order from NRL, a company affiliated with the Indian government, for the supply of hydrogen and by-product steam for 20 years. The hydrogen and by-product steam generated at this plant will play a key role in the highly strategic Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project and the Indian government’s Northeast development initiative. We are honored to be a part of this visionary project. As World Environment Day approaches, we will seek out global opportunities to promote growth and contribute to the realization of cleaner energy and a carbon-neutral society.

EnvironmentEuropeParticipation in Green Hydrogen Production Project

Nippon Gases Belgium NV, the Belgian subsidiary of Nippon Gases Euro-Holding (NGE), in collaboration with Terranova and Luminus, established a joint venture to construct and operate a green hydrogen production plant in Zelzate, Belgium.
The green hydrogen will be produced at Terranova’s facility in Zelzate using green electricity generated from solar and onshore wind power. Production is slated to commence in early 2025. NGE will sell the green hydrogen produced from this project to its existing customers and also tap into demand for new green hydrogen, including demand arising from the energy transition toward a carbon-neutral society.

EnvironmentEuropeIncreasing the Utilisation of Renewal Energy Sources

Nippon Gases Euro-Holding’s (NGE) air separation units can produce industrial gases using certified renewable energy by purchasing Guarantee of Origin (GO) certificates from power supply companies. NGE has initiated a strategy to increase this amount of renewable energy by utilising such GO certificates and dedicated contracts for renewable energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs), offering products produced using green electricity. While the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity from European power generation stands at 442.66 g-CO₂/kWh (European Attribute Mix 2021), the average Emissions Intensity for NGE is substantially lower, at 325 g-CO₂/kWh.

EnvironmentWorldTrack Record in Solar Power Generation Installations

NSHD is switching to renewable energy by converting some power sources to solar power while aggressively investing in solar power generation facilities as a part of its efforts to realize a carbon neutral society. The table on the right lists business sites that have installed solar power generation equipment in recent years. By setting up solar power generation equipment, we advance measures to greenify electricity, helping to improve the global environment by reducing indirect emissions of CO₂ associated with the consumption of electric power.

Recent introductions	Region
4 TNSC group Bases	Japan
Matheson Alizona	United States
23 branches of Supagas	Australia
6 NGE Bases	Germany

EnvironmentJapanDeuterated Ammonia: Establishment of Japan’s First Mass Production System

Taiyo Nippon Sanso has started manufacturing and selling deuterated ammonia (a high-pressure gas), where the hydrogen in ammonia (NH3) is replaced with deuterium (D). Previously, Japan relied on imports from foreign countries to meet demand for deuterated ammonia, which is used in semiconductors, chemical reaction materials, and analysis applications. With our proprietary technology, we have successfully built a process capable of producing high-purity, high-deuterium-concentration products, establishing Japan’s first mass production system and putting into place a supply system to meet growing global demand for deuterated ammonia. We will continue to increase production in anticipation of future growth in demand.

EnvironmentEuropeContribution to Production of Biomethane

Nippon Gases Euro-Holding’s (NGE) high-efficiency oxygen dissolution technology reduces electrical energy consumption in comparison with traditional oxygen supply methods (such as aerators) in biological wastewater treatment plants. Through this solution, millions of cubic meters of wastewater is treated and either discharged into water sources or recycled while consistently meeting environmental regulations. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants can be converted into biogas, producing biomethane (and bioCO₂). Biomethane is used as an alternative to fossil fuels for vehicles and forklifts as BioLNG or BioCNG, while bioCO₂ is used in similar applications as the fossil sourced CO₂.

EnvironmentJapanInvestment in and Collaboration with Microalgae Venture Algal Bio Co., Ltd.

Algal Bio Co., Ltd. is a microalgae venture firm with a world-leading technological platform and development environment, combining unique algae strains, breeding, and mass cultivation. Microalgae, which is rich in proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, are not only popular as nutritional supplements, but also useful for water purification by absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus. Algae’s ability to produce useful compounds from CO₂ makes it a significant field that directly relates to the carbon neutral business. Through investment and business collaboration with Algal Bio Co., Ltd., Taiyo Nippon Sanso will promote both companies’ research and development, establish mass cultivation technology for microalgae strains, and advance efforts towards a sustainable society.

EnvironmentJapanImplementation of Joint Demonstration Experiment to Promote Use of Personal Bottles by Collaborating with Five Companies

To promote a circular society, a joint demonstration experiment aimed at promoting the use of personal bottles was conducted for about one month from April 18, 2022, in collaboration with five companies (roles and resources provided shown in parentheses): Thermos (personal bottles), Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. (demonstration experiment field, about 300 participants), Panasonic Corporation (automatic personal bottle washers), Apex Co., Ltd. (personal bottle-compatible coffee machines), and Ajinomoto AGF, Inc. (coffee beans). During the implementation period, paper cup disposal was nearly zero, and participants’ environmental awareness improved. The functionality and convenience of personal bottles received high marks, and many participants said that they would like to continue using it.

Implementation of Joint Demonstration Experiment to Promote Use of Personal Bottles by Collaborating with Five Companies

EnvironmentJapanLaunch of Used Stainless Steel Thermos Bottle Collection Service

On May 25, 2023 Thermos started a collection service for used stainless steel Thermos bottles at three Thermos Styling Stores in the Kanto region (Futako-Tamagawa Rise Store, Mark Is Minatomirai Store, Terrace Mall Shonan Store). The collected used stainless steel Thermos bottles will be processed, such as crushing and sorting, by Rever Corporation, which operates a recycling business, and reused as materials in the production of other products. Recycling boxes have also been set up on the premises of Thermos and Group company Taiyo Nippon Sanso in an attempt to collect more used bottles. We plan to gradually increase collection locations while monitoring conditions.

EnvironmentJapanDevelopment of Fuel Ammonia Combustion Technology for Industrial Furnaces

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation has been selected as the contractor for a project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for development of fuel ammonia combustion technology for industrial furnaces. The aim of the project is to develop ammonia combustion technology for industrial furnaces that are unable to use ammonia in order to contribute to the decarbonization of the industrial sector. Taiyo Nippon Sanso has a track record for various industrial furnaces within and outside Japan, including oxygen burners for glass melting furnaces. The project covers a five-year period from FYE2022 to FYE2026. Taiyo Nippon Sanso is proceeding with development of ammonia-oxygen combustion and oxygen-enriched combustion.

EnvironmentJapanJoint Development of Spherical Silica Manufacturing Technology Using Carbon-Free Fuel

Spherical silica is used as a filler for semiconductor sealant. As the scope of semiconductor applications has expanded over the past few years, demands regarding the quality of spherical silica have been increasing. The traditional manufacturing method carries a risk of carbon contamination from fossil fuels, which impairs insulating performance and reduces the reliability of the semiconductor. In February 2022, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation and Admatechs Company Limited developed a melting and spheroidizing technology using carbon-free ammonia-oxygen combustion to enable the production of high-quality spherical silica free from carbon contamination.

EnvironmentJapanSuccessfully Melting Glass Using a Hydrogen-Oxygen Burner to Drastically Reduce CO₂ Emissions

In April 2022, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation successfully conducted a demonstration test with 100% hydrogen combustion to melt glass using a hydrogen-oxygen burner jointly developed with Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. The jointly developed hydrogen-oxygen burner can switch the mix ratio of natural gas and hydrogen as needed. In the demonstration test, it was confirmed that the same melting capability could be obtained with either combustion fueled using 100% hydrogen, or a mixture of both natural gas and hydrogen, or only natural gas. This enables a significant reduction of CO₂ emissions from melting furnaces.

Successfully Melting Glass Using a Hydrogen-Oxygen Burner to Drastically Reduce CO 2 Emissions

EnvironmentJapanHighly Efficient Oxygen Usage System SCOPE-Jet^® SCAN

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation is working to develop an oxygen burner that can efficiently increase the temperature inside a furnace. The company’s product lineup includes SCOPE-Jet^®, a burner developed to reduce the rate of power consumption and increase productivity for the electric arc furnace steelmaking industry, which consumes large amounts of electric power, by reducing production time through a higher burner flame temperature created with oxygen. In March 2021, the company developed the new SCOPE-Jet® SCAN, which combines oxygen applications (gas-using equipment and technology) and a laser gas analyzer unit. SCOPE-Jet^® SCAN uses real-time analysis values to control the feed amounts of oxygen, fuel, and carbon, increasing the efficiency of oxygen usage, which is also expected to reduce CO₂ emissions. Going forward, the system will be introduced mainly into electric arc furnaces, and the company will work on developing even wider applications.

EnvironmentEuropeNippon Gases Euro-Holding' Liquid Carbon Dioxide Carrier

Nippon Gases Euro-Holding S.L.U. (NGE)'s carbon dioxide business has a 19% share of the European market, andis the second largest in the region. The company operates three liquid carbon dioxide carrier vessels to connect its 12 carbon dioxide gas plants with markets in every region. The vessels can transport between 1,200–1,800 tonnes of liquid carbon dioxide with each voyage, carrying approximately 300,000 tonnes per year. Furthermore, they are also used as floating storage tanks during maintenance of the companies’ storage tanks or plants. Going forward, NGE will continue to accurately comprehend the current and future status of needs by following consumption trends in Europe overall from an overhead perspective as it continues to supply countries with carbon dioxide products as necessary

EnvironmentEuropeNippon Gases Euro-Holding Signs a Collaboration Agreement with Sarralle toward Decarbonization of the Steel Industry

In December 2021, Nippon Gases Euro-Holding S.L.U. (NGE) announced a business alliance with Sarralle in the provision of engineering services regarding hydrogen burners, among others. Sarralle is headquartered in Spain, and is a leading company in engineering services in the steel industry and others. Under the alliance agreement, NGE will supply burner technologies and Sarralle will work to install them for end users. Hydrogen burners use hydrogen as an energy source instead of natural gas, and are considered an important element for achieving decarbonization of industry. Furthermore, NGE will collaborate with Sarralle to promote project opportunities for the use of hydrogen burners and other industrial gases for the steel and other industries, including provision of gas application technologies.

EnvironmentJapanInstallation of CO₂ Liquefaction System for Demonstration Trial

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation cooperated with Taiheiyo Cement Corporation in the CO₂ liquefaction process for the “Development of Carbon Circulation Technology for the Cement Industry” project of NEDO. In February 2022, the company established a CO₂ liquefaction system at Taiheiyo Cement’s Kumagaya Plant. The system will recycle CO₂ emitted in the cement manufacturing process as a resource for reuse as raw material for cement and civil engineering material. Taiyo Nippon Sanso provided technical collaboration on a series of processes for liquefaction of captured CO₂ in a trial demonstration of separating and capturing CO₂ from cement kiln exhaust gas.

Installation of CO 2 Liquefaction System for Demonstration Trial

EnvironmentJapanStart of Demonstration for Effective Use of CO₂ Captured from Power Plants

Nippon Ekitan Corporation is participating in a demonstration test for making effective use of CO₂ captured from coal-fired power plants jointly conducted with Osaki CoolGen Corporation (a company jointly established by Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER) and The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.) and Sera Saien Co., Ltd. Osaki CoolGen aims to achieve innovative, low-carbon coal-fired thermal power generation by combining an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant with CO₂ separation and recovery. In the demonstration test, CO₂ from an IGCC power plant of Osaki CoolGen, is captured, liquefied, and transported and used to replace CO₂ that has been used for accelerating photosynthesis in a tomato greenhouse. It will contribute to realizing a carbon-neutral society by pursuing the possibilities for effective use of CO₂.

Start of Demonstration for Effective Use of CO 2 Captured from Power Plants

EnvironmentUnited StatesUse of CO₂ in Wastewater Treatment

In this project, CO₂ was used to treat wastewater instead of a process using acid. The pharmaceutical company CSL Behring LLC used sulfuric acid for wastewater treatment, but the strong acid caused various corrosion issues for equipment. Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. responded to a request from CSL Behring to propose a wastewater treatment system using CO₂ and run a trial operation. The results far exceeded expectations, and led to a full implementation. As a result, the corrosion issues were completely resolved, while achieving adequate wastewater treatment function.