Masdar, MCG, INPEX to explore commercial-scale polypropylene production

Image: Masdar

Masdar, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (MCG) and INPEX Corporation will explore the production of the world’s first commercial-scale polypropylene made from CO2 and green hydrogen in Abu Dhabi.

The green hydrogen and CO2 will be converted to e-methanol, which will subsequently be converted to propylene and polypropylene.

Polypropylene, a type of plastic material, is used to manufacture everyday items such as bottles, jars and food packaging.  E-methanol is a key synthetic fuel that can be used to decarbonise maritime transportation.

Tapping the potential of green hydrogen to create polypropylene

The agreement marking the collaborative project was announced during the recent Japan-UAE Business Forum, in Abu Dhabi.  

Masdar’s CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, said, “We are very excited to be partnering with flagship Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Chemical Group and INPEX.  Our organisations share a firm belief in the power of innovation to create a better tomorrow.  The agreement will enable us to join forces and further unlock the potential of green hydrogen to drive industry and growth while reducing emissions.”

Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s CEO Jean-Marc Gilson, said, “The chemical industry is now faced with the dual challenge of reducing its GHG emissions, while actively participating and leading the transition to a carbon neutral economy. With that focus in mind, our ambition to use CO2 as a key starting raw material is a very important stepping stone towards a sustainable future and we are looking forward to using our expertise to contribute to the success of this project.”

#Masdar signs agreement with #MitsubishiChemicalGroup and #INPEX Corporation to explore establishing the world’s first commercial-scale polypropylene production using green hydrogen and CO2 in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/cViBDitEOn

— Masdar (@Masdar) July 18, 2023

INPEX president and CEO Takayuki Ueda, said, “We look forward to working together with Masdar and MCG to pursue a green hydrogen to e-methanol and polypropylene supply chain linking the UAE and Japan.

“This initiative is fully aligned with our decarbonisation efforts as well as our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi, which is one of our core business areas. We hope to leverage this opportunity to enhance our clean energy solutions and help realise a net-zero society by 2050.”

By developing this project, Masdar, MCG and INPEX aim to support hard-to-abate sectors including the maritime sector and industries to reduce their carbon footprints.