Purifying the future with the natural power of oxidation
OZONE
What is ozone?
Ozone (O₃) is a colorless gas that has existed in the natural atmosphere since ancient times and is composed of the same element as oxygen (O₂).
Ozone is produced from oxygen in the air by ultraviolet rays from the sun, so trace amounts are always present in the air outdoors in sunny weather.
Ozone has excellent sterilizing power, safety, and environmental friendliness, and is widely used in medical settings, water purification facilities, the food industry, and other areas.
In addition to sterilization, it has a variety of effects such as deodorizing, bleaching, and decomposing organic matter, and since it naturally decomposes into oxygen after use, it is environmentally friendly with no residual residue .
It has already been approved as a food additive and is used safely around the world.
Ozonated water is water made by dissolving ozone gas in water using special technology. Ozonated water has powerful sterilizing, deodorizing, and bleaching properties , and is more effective than gaseous ozone, and is hundreds of times more effective than conventional chlorine-based disinfectants.
Contributing to carbon neutrality
Ozone is a technology that can contribute in many ways to achieving Okinawa Prefecture's goal of becoming carbon neutral by utilizing its powerful oxidizing and decomposing capabilities.
Although it is not a direct CO₂ reduction technology,
Improving the efficiency of various treatment processes
Reduced energy consumption
Through support for renewable energy technologies, etc., it will function as an environmental technology that supports the foundation of a decarbonized society .
Ozone plays a vital role in maintaining healthy circulation of water, air, and energy, contributing to the creation of a sustainable society.
Specifically, the following mechanisms are possible:
01
Contributing to the expansion of renewable energy
Ozone contributes greatly to improving the efficiency of biomass energy utilization .
Okinawa is rich in unused biomass, including sugarcane bagasse, pineapple residue, and wood resources.
【structure】
Advanced biomass utilization through ozone pretreatment (ozonolysis)
Ozone gas is reacted with crushed biomass (bagasse, etc.).
Ozone selectively oxidizes and decomposes lignin, changing it into a structure that makes it easier to extract sugars.
As a result, the efficiency of methane fermentation (biogas production) and ethanol/hydrogen fermentation has improved.
This will enable local biomass, which was previously difficult to utilize, to be used as a highly efficient renewable energy source.
➡ Achieve waste reduction and renewable energy generation at the same time.
02
Contributing to the utilization of hydrogen and ammonia
[Contribution to hydrogen]
Mechanism 1: Improving the efficiency of hydrogen production from biomass
Ozone pretreatment is also effective in biohydrogen fermentation, and has been reported to more than double the amount of hydrogen produced.
→ Opening up a new way to produce hydrogen directly from Okinawa's local resources.Mechanism 2: Support for water electrolysis in green hydrogen production
Ozone treatment produces highly pure water that is close to ultrapure water.
→ Prevents electrode deterioration in water electrolysis equipment, improving durability and efficiency.
→ Supports a stable green hydrogen supply chain.
[About ammonia]
Due to its chemical properties, ozone acts to "decompose (remove)" ammonia rather than "synthesize" it.
Therefore, although its direct contribution to fuel production is limited, it plays an important role as an emission treatment and purification technology .
03
Contributing to the development of businesses that will lead the way to regional decarbonization
It is expected that a new environmental business model will be created in the region, with ozone-related technology at its core.
[Business model example]
A: Biomass resource business
Biowaste is collected from local farmers and factories, pre-treated with ozone, and then supplied to biofuel manufacturers.
→ Create a locally produced and consumed energy cycle.B: High-quality water treatment and energy-saving solutions business
Energy-saving ozone treatment systems have been introduced to water supply and sewerage systems, food factories, hotels, etc.
→ Reduces electricity consumption and lowers the carbon footprint of businesses.C: Environmental cleanup and cost reduction projects
We propose an ozone + catalyst system to facilities that consume large amounts of activated carbon to combat VOCs and odors.
→ Reduces the amount of activated carbon used, reducing CO₂ emissions and running costs at the same time.
04
Ripple effect on reducing carbon dioxide emissions
Ozone technology contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions in the following ways:
Improved energy efficiency : Reduced power consumption during water and wastewater treatment
Substitute for fossil fuels : Biogas and hydrogen production from waste biomass
Indirect emissions reduction : Reducing CO₂ emissions from manufacturing and transportation by reducing the use of chemicals, activated carbon, etc.
summary
Ozone alone is not a technology that directly captures and decomposes CO2, but given Okinawa's geographical and industrial characteristics (abundant biomass, water demand associated with tourism, etc.), it can be a powerful tool for maximizing the efficiency of renewable energy use, promoting energy conservation in business, and creating new decarbonized businesses.