A major partnership between Masdar and the Japanese: UAE renewables giant Masdar has signed an agreement with Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MSG) and Inpex Corporation to explore setting up the world’s first commercial-scale plant to produce polypropylene made from CO2 and green hydrogen in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement.

What we know: The three firms will explore the techno-economic feasibility of a commercial-scale green hydrogen to e-methanol and polypropylene project. Both green hydrogen and CO2 will be used as raw materials to be converted to e-methanol which would be later converted into propylene and polypropylene.

SMART POLICY- Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications, including bottles, food packaging and others. E-methanol is a vital synthetic fuel that could help decarbonize maritime transportation. “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,” the statement read.

The Japanese have previous ties with Masdar: Masdar signed a MoU last year with Japan’s Sumitomo and Bee'ah Group for the development of waste-to-energy projects in the GCC region. They are exploring participating in several prices, including a plant to treat 390k tons per year and generate 25 MW of power.

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