Toyota City, Japan, May 27, 2024 – (JCN Newswire)

Idemitsu Kosan, ENEOS, Toyota and MHI are starting research towards the introduction and widespread use of carbon neutral fuels for cars. (“Idemitsu Kosan”), ENEOS Corporation (“ENEOS”), Toyota Motor Corporation (“Toyota”) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (“MHI”) announce that they have initiated research to introduce and disseminate greenhouse gas emissions – neutral fuels that contribute to the decarbonization of cars to create a carbon neutral society. Aiming to introduce carbon-neutral fuels in Japan around 2030, four companies with key roles in supply, technology and demand, respectively, will jointly launch this study.

Types of carbon neutral fuels and their production processes

About carbon neutral fuels

Carbon neutral fuels are fuels that reduce CO2 emissions throughout the product life cycle. It is a collective term that covers synthetic fuels (e-fuel) produced using hydrogen and CO2, and biofuels produced from raw materials such as plants that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. Carbon neutral liquid fuels in particular are advantageous in terms of energy storage and transport and are suitable as transportable energy sources.

Scope of joint investigation of four companies

Discussing and examining scenarios and roadmaps for the introduction of carbon neutral fuels to the Japanese automotive market and the various systems needed for the introduction to the market

Explore the feasibility of production from perspectives such as energy security in Japan

“Shaping Change” is Idemitsu Kosan’s Vision 2050 and based on this vision, it is working towards the social implementation of a sustainable supply of diversified, environmentally friendly “Step Ahead Energy”, which is one of the three business domains identified in the medium-term management plan. As part of this effort, it seeks the early introduction and spread of carbon-neutral fuels – synthetic fuels and biofuels – by working with various companies in Japan and beyond.

ENEOS has stated in its Group’s long-term vision that it will take up the challenge of achieving both a stable supply of energy and materials and realizing a carbon neutral society. It undertakes a variety of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the use of hydrogen and renewable energy and the development of carbon neutral fuels businesses such as synthetic fuels.

Focusing on a multi-pronged approach, Toyota is working towards carbon neutrality not only through the rollout of electrified vehicles, but also by reducing CO2 emissions from combustion engine vehicles. In 2007, it introduced flex-fuel vehicles (vehicles that can be powered by both biofuels and gasoline) in Brazil. In the future, it will continue to work to reduce CO2 emissions from combustion engine vehicles, including existing vehicles, and will also consider developing engines specifically designed for electrified vehicles that will contribute to the roll-out of carbon neutral fuels.

The MHI Group has made a declaration of carbon neutrality by 2040 “MISSION NET ZERO” and is actively working to build an ecosystem of CO2 solutions and an ecosystem of hydrogen solutions. Through MHI Group products, technologies and services that help reduce CO2 emissions, as well as new solutions and innovations that will be developed with partners around the world, we will contribute to making a carbon neutral society a reality.

Collaboration and partnerships across industries are essential to the spread of carbon neutral fuels towards realizing a carbon neutral society. As a first step in this direction, Idemitsu Kosan, ENEOS, Toyota and MHI will collaborate to undertake research aimed at introducing and popularizing carbon neutral fuels.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation