Press release -
NGK Successfully Establishes Mass Production Technology for Its Products Using Hydrogen Combustion
NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter, “NGK”) has successfully established mass production technology for its products using hydrogen combustion, as a result of a demonstration experiment*1 it has been conducting since June 2023 toward the practical application of hydrogen-fueled firing furnaces. By achieving a firing process that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2), NGK aims to reduce annual CO2 emissions from its own operations (Scope 1) by approximately 200,000 tons and achieve net zero CO2emissions by 2050.
Hydrogen has a faster combustion speed and higher flame temperature than liquefied natural gas (LNG) currently used for firing. Therefore, in the manufacture of ceramics products, where the temperature distribution inside the firing furnace has a major impact on product performance and quality, it is necessary to develop dedicated equipment optimized for hydrogen firing.
NGK has been conducting a demonstration experiment using a new internally developed firing furnace installed at the hydrogen combustion test field located within the Technical Research Institute (in Tokai City) of Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Toho Gas”). Through the new development of hydrogen burners and other equipment for ceramics firing, NGK has achieved hydrogen combustion that ensures the performance and quality of its mass-produced products. Moreover, because hydrogen combustion produces less exhaust gas after burning than LNG combustion and enables more efficient combustion, it is expected to reduce fuel consumption in addition to reducing CO2 emissions. NGK aims to successively introduce it at domestic and overseas mass production facilities from 2030.
Companies around the world are currently accelerating initiatives to reduce CO2emissions throughout the value chain. Meanwhile, because the level of infrastructure development for non-fossil fuels such as hydrogen varies by country and region, it is important to establish a production system capable of accommodating a wide range of non-fossil fuels.
In the NGK Group Environmental Vision, formulated in April 2021, the NGK Group has set the target of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. As one of its strategies to achieve this target, the Group is promoting technological innovations such as switching to non-fossil fuels in the ceramics firing process. In addition to the hydrogen combustion technology it has developed, the Group is also working on the utilization of a broad range of non-fossil fuels, including research aimed at the practical application of furnaces that burn ammonia*2, which is used to store and transport hydrogen. The NGK Group will continue to promote fuel conversion to clean energy sources and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
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About NGK Insulators
NGK INSULATORS (NGK) is a leading company in the field of ceramics.
Since its foundation in 1919, NGK has used its unique ceramic technology to provide numerous ground-breaking products that solve social issues. Today, NGK is active in more than 20 countries worldwide, with business foci including mobility, energy, IoT and industry. As one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters, NGK has built on this to also develop new products and businesses with ceramics that actively reducing the strain on our global environment.
Furthermore, NGK’s products include the compact, thin, and high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable battery “EnerCera” line, vital tools for sustainable energy infrastructure.
NGK focuses on the two business fields “carbon neutrality” and” digital society” and is aiming to realize 80% of total company sales in these two fields whilst also achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Through providing innovative, high-quality products, NGK is committed to contributing to our society. In order to create a future where people can coexist with nature, NGK will continue to develop and provide products that support social infrastructure while preserving the environment.
