Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., ENEOS Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. will soon start a study that aims to introduce and spread carbon-neutral fuels. Accordingly, the purpose is to contribute to the decarbonization and realize a carbon-neutral society.

Moreover, the research aims to introduce carbon-neutral fuels in Japan around 2030. The four companies will fulfill major roles respectively in supply, technology, and demand will jointly embark on this study.

About Carbon-Neutral Fuels

Carbon-neutral fuels are fuels that limit CO₂ emissions across the entire product life cycle. It is a collective term that includes synthetic fuels (e-fuel) made using hydrogen and CO₂, and biofuels made from raw materials such as plants that absorb CO2 via photosynthesis. Liquid carbon-neutral fuels in particular are advantageous in terms of energy storage and transportation and are suitable as energy sources that can be transported.

The research of the four companies will have two major scopes. First, to discuss and study scenarios and roadmaps for the introduction of carbon-neutral fuels in Japan’s automobile market. This will also cover the various systems necessary for market introduction.

Next, it will investigate the feasibility of production from perspectives such as energy security in Japan.

Supports Visions of Research Players

“Shaping Change” is Idemitsu Kosan’s Vision for 2050, and based on this vision, it is working on the social implementation of a steady supply of diverse, eco-friendly “Energy one step ahead” that forms one of the three business domains stated in its Medium-term Management Plan. As part of this effort, it is seeking the early introduction and spread of carbon-neutral fuels. Particularly, synthetic fuels and biofuels, while collaborating with various companies within and outside Japan.

ENEOS stated in its Group’s Long-Term Vision that it will take on the challenge of achieving both a stable supply of energy and materials. Moreover, it is undertaking various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, Toyota is working toward carbon neutrality not just by spreading electrified vehicles. Nonetheless, it is also reducing the CO₂ emissions of internal combustion engine vehicles. In 2007, it introduced flex-fuel vehicles in Brazil. Going forward, it will continue to work on reducing the CO2 emissions of internal combustion engine vehicles.

MHI Group has made our 2040 carbon neutrality declaration “MISSION NET ZERO“. It is also actively working to build a CO₂ solutions ecosystem and a hydrogen solutions ecosystem.

Collaboration and partnership across industries are essential for the spread of carbon-neutral fuels toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society. As the first step in this direction, Idemitsu Kosan, ENEOS, Toyota and MHI will collaborate to undertake a study toward the introduction and spread of carbon-neutral fuels.

27 May 2024