Yokogawa Invests in and Signs Memorandum on Business Partnership with Tsubame BHB

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it has invested in and signed a memorandum on a business partnership with Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. Tsubame BHB, a university-based startup, has developed an ammonia synthesis method that makes use of electride catalysts.

While the synthesis of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen is conventionally done under high temperature and high-pressure conditions, Tsubame BHB’s electride catalysts enable the synthesis of hydrogen and nitrogen at relatively low temperature and pressure levels and thus are able to reduce the environmental impact of the ammonia synthesis process. Tsubame BHB has already received an order to supply a small, distributed ammonia production plant.

In view of an anticipated major surge in energy demand that will drive the need for ammonia fuel and hydrogen carriers, Tsubame BHB has raised capital and is working to optimize the design of processes used by medium and large-scale ammonia synthesis facilities and developing catalysts that do not require the use of rare or precious metals. Yokogawa will work with Tsubame BHB to jointly develop solutions that automate the ammonia production process, improve the efficiency of remote operations by integrating the handling of data from upstream renewable energy and hydrogen production facilities, employ demand forecasting to optimize supply chains, and streamline operations and maintenance. Both companies will also consider accelerating the expansion of this business outside of Japan.