On September 29, 2025, Toho Gas Co., Ltd. announced a methane pyrolysis demonstration project utilizing feedstock city gas to produce clean hydrogen and high-purity carbon black. Specific project goals include reducing emissions and enhancing the financial viability of hydrogen supply chains. Ekona is supplying our xCaliber™ reactor technology for the project.
Toho Gas is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, and is a leading energy provider serving the Chubu region and its population of about 20 million people. Founded in 1922, Toho Gas operates across the gas, electricity, and heat supply sectors, and has a strong strategic focus on innovation and environmental sustainability.
Toho Gas submitted its proposal for the demonstration project through the FY2025 Regional Co-Creation and Cross-Sectoral Carbon Neutral Technology Development and Demonstration Project Second Call for Proposals. The program is a Japanese Ministry of the Environment strategic initiative that aims to accelerate Japan’s transition to a carbon-neutral society. The initiative supports the development and demonstration of advanced technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions while revitalizing local communities, with the goals of leveraging local infrastructure, engaging multiple industries, and fast-tracking promising technologies for real-world deployment.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd is Toho Gas’ partner on the project. Together, the companies will conduct market research on carbon black and propose its use to potential business partners, aiming to secure sales channels for carbon black.
“We are pleased to supply our xCaliber reactor technology for this demonstration project and extend our congratulations to both Toho Gas and Mitsui on the project’s advancement,” says Chris Reid, Ekona’s CEO. “Ekona’s technology platform enables clean hydrogen production at the point of use, generating a valuable clean solid carbon co-product that enhances the economic viability of the platform. By utilising city gas as a feedstock, Toho Gas can lower emissions, reduce hydrogen transport costs, and contribute to the ongoing development of a robust and sustainable hydrogen and solid carbon supply chain within the region and throughout Japan.”
Read the release on Toho Gas’ website (in Japanese only) here.