OOYOO Ltd. Takes First Step Towards Carbon Negative Future with Membrane Separation Technology

Demonstration Project for CO₂ Capture Begins at Biomass Power Plant

KYOTO, JAPAN – OOYOO Ltd., a Kyoto-based deep-tech startup, today announced the commencement of a CO₂ capture demonstration project at the Sakaiminato Biomass Power Plant in Tottori Prefecture. The project is a joint initiative with TOKYO ENERGY & SYSTEMS INC. and is being conducted at the plant operated by Sakaiminato Energy Power LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TOKYO ENERGY & SYSTEMS.

This demonstration project will utilize OOYOO’s proprietary high-performance separation membrane technology to capture approximately 10 tons of CO₂ annually from the flue gas emitted by the biomass power plant.

[Photo: The demonstration project in operation]

■ Project Significance and Background

This project marks a significant milestone for OOYOO as its first application of membrane-based CO₂ capture on flue gas from a biomass power plant, paving the way for the technology’s commercial deployment.

While biomass power is considered carbon neutral because it uses renewable resources as fuel, the addition of CO₂ capture technology makes it possible to achieve “carbon negative” power generation, which results in a net reduction of CO₂ from the atmosphere. This initiative is expected to be a key technology in the transition to a decarbonized society.

■ Key Features of OOYOO’s Membrane Technology

Compared to conventional methods like amine absorption, OOYOO’s membrane technology offers superior economic efficiency with lower energy consumption, a simpler equipment setup, and reduced initial and operational costs. The system’s compact, modular design is suitable for small- to medium-scale plants, while also offering high scalability. This demonstration is the first step towards future deployment in large-scale industrial facilities.

■ Future Outlook

OOYOO plans to expand the deployment of its CO₂ capture systems to various industrial sectors facing CO₂ emission challenges, in addition to biomass power plants in Japan and globally. The company is also planning further demonstration projects with multiple partners in the chemical and energy sectors within the current fiscal year. Through these trials, OOYOO will continue to validate its technology, steadily advancing towards large-scale production and commercialization.

This project will verify flue gas conditions, membrane performance, and operational stability to acquire foundational data for commercial rollout from FY2026 onwards. OOYOO plans to launch an initial model of a small-scale system (capable of capturing up to 100 kg-CO₂/day) in early FY2026, with the goal of developing and beginning trials for a medium-scale system (up to 10 t-CO₂/day) within the same year.

■ Supported by NEDO

This initiative is supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) under its “Program for Research, Development, and Demonstration for Mass Production of Deep Tech Startups in Green Innovation (GX) Fields.”

■ About OOYOO Ltd.

OOYOO Ltd. is a deep-tech startup originating from Kyoto University, specializing in the research, development, and implementation of advanced membrane technology for CO₂ separation and capture. Leveraging proprietary polymer design technology, OOYOO provides solutions that are both cost-effective and easy to integrate into industrial applications. The company is dedicated to contributing to a decarbonized society across the energy, chemical, and biotechnology sectors.

■ We’re Hiring

OOYOO is actively seeking passionate individuals to join our technology and business development teams to help realize a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. As a startup from Kyoto University with a mission to bring innovative technology to the global stage, we are looking for new members to drive our expansion.

If you are interested, please contact us via the inquiry form on our website.

For more details, visit: https://www.ooyoo.co.jp/careers/

■ Media Contact

Public Relations, OOYOO Inc.

Email: info@ooyoo.jp

Web: https://www.ooyoo.co.jp