Wedoany.com Report-Dec.11, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC) has signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement with Methanol Reformer for the supply of an L18 methanol reforming system. The unit will be installed at MGC's Niigata plant and is scheduled for commissioning in the second half of 2026.

The L18 system converts methanol into hydrogen on-site, providing a compact and efficient source of hydrogen for selected applications within the Niigata facility. This installation marks Methanol Reformer's first commercial project in Japan and demonstrates full compliance with local industrial and safety standards.

Manufacturing and certification work will start immediately at Methanol Reformer's production facilities to ensure the equipment meets all Japanese technical and regulatory requirements before delivery. The project follows a structured timeline that supports smooth integration into MGC's existing operations.

For MGC, the initiative represents a practical step toward incorporating advanced hydrogen-generation technology into its energy and production framework. The on-demand hydrogen supply from methanol offers operational flexibility and supports the company's objectives for efficient and reliable energy solutions.

The collaboration strengthens Methanol Reformer's position in the Asian market while providing MGC with proven reforming technology that has been designed for industrial-scale performance. The L18 platform features a modular layout that enables straightforward installation and maintenance in plant environments.

This deployment focuses entirely on internal hydrogen production at the Niigata site and does not involve imports, exports, or external consumption of hydrogen or methanol. It serves as an important reference project for methanol-to-hydrogen technology under Japanese operating conditions, potentially paving the way for broader adoption across similar industrial facilities.

Both companies view the agreement as a milestone that combines established methanol handling expertise with innovative reforming capabilities, delivering a practical pathway for on-site hydrogen generation that aligns with long-term operational and environmental goals at the Niigata plant. The successful execution of this project in 2026 will validate the L18 system's performance in a major Asian industrial setting.