Mitsubishi Chemical partners with Mie Prefecture and Yokkaichi City to transform Yokkaichi Industrial Complex into a carbon-neutral hub by 2050.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has officially announced that it has entered into an “Agreement on Coordination and Cooperation for the Maintenance and Development of the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex.” This agreement, signed on August 12, 2025, involves three parties—Mitsubishi Chemical, Mie Prefecture, and Yokkaichi City. The central objective of this partnership is to utilize the capabilities and resources of the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex to advance efforts toward establishing a carbon-neutral society.
The agreement comes as part of a broader initiative that Mie Prefecture and Yokkaichi City have been pursuing for several years. In March 2023, both authorities jointly prepared a long-term future vision that outlines the transformation of the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex into a carbon-neutral hub by the year 2050. This ambitious plan is not only intended to cut emissions but also to position the industrial complex as a pioneering base for green technologies and sustainable industrial practices.
To implement this vision, the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex Carbon Neutralization Promotion Committee was established. This committee has been carrying out various feasibility studies to explore practical pathways for transitioning the complex toward carbon neutrality. Among its key areas of research and planning are the development of a hydrogen and ammonia supply base, the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel derived from waste cooking oil and other alternative resources, and the advancement of next-generation hydrogen mobility solutions. These initiatives are designed to align the complex with global sustainability trends and contribute to Japan’s wider carbon-reduction goals.
Mitsubishi Chemical, with its Tokai Plant situated within the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex, has played an active role in these studies. The Tokai Plant itself consists of multiple sites, including facilities in Shiohama, Kawajiri, and Obata, each of which contributes significantly to the company’s manufacturing and research activities. As a member of the Promotion Committee, Mitsubishi Chemical has been closely involved in examining new technologies, energy transition strategies, and decarbonization methods suitable for the complex.
The decision to formally sign this agreement highlights Mitsubishi Chemical’s commitment to deepening collaboration with local government bodies while reinforcing its role as a corporate leader in the carbon-neutral transition. Through this cooperative framework, the company aims not only to reduce its own environmental footprint but also to help transform the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex into a cutting-edge model for sustainable industrial development.
Ultimately, this initiative underscores a shared determination between industry and government stakeholders to build a resilient and eco-friendly industrial ecosystem, paving the way toward a carbon-neutral future by mid-century.
