Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Toyota, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and two oil-related companies – Idemitsu Kosan and ENEOS – on Monday announced they are researching carbon-neutral fuels that will aid in the decarbonization of automobiles and are hoping to introduce carbon-neutral fuels in Japan around 2030.

Carbon-neutral fuels are fuels that limit CO2 emissions and include synthetic fuels made using hydrogen and CO2, and biofuels made from raw materials such as plants that absorb CO2. Liquid carbon-neutral fuels are particularly advantageous in terms of energy storage and transportation.

The four companies are studying ways to introduce carbon-neutral fuels in Japan’s automobile market and the systems necessary for market introduction. Collaboration and partnership across industries is seen as essential for the spread of carbon-neutral fuels, so Idemitsu Kosan, ENEOS, Toyota and MHI are taking initial steps to collaborate on a study looking at howcarbon-neutral fuels can be introduced and made widely available.

All four companies have already made carbon neutrality one of their business aims. 

Idemitsu Kosan’s Vision for 2050 includes aiming at diverse forms of energy and the early introduction of carbon-neutral fuels such as synthetic fuels and biofuels.

ENEOS is undertaking various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including using hydrogen and renewable energy and carrying out business development of carbon-neutral fuels such as synthetic fuels.

Toyota is working toward carbon neutrality not just through the spread of electrified vehicles, but also by reducing the CO2 emissions of internal combustion engine vehicles. 

Mitsubishi has made carbon neutrality by 2040 one of its goals and is looking to build a CO2 solutions ecosystem and a hydrogen solutions ecosystem.