The 'Ideals and Reality' of Decarbonization: PIVOT Thoroughly Explains the Latest Trends in Next-Generation Fuel 'e-Methane'!

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Masataka Fujiwara) appeared on the popular program '& questions' of the business video media 'PIVOT' and thoroughly explained the latest trends in the next-generation fuel 'e-methane,' which is key to realizing a decarbonized society.

In the program, two key figures driving Daigas Group's (Osaka Gas) decarbonization efforts passionately discuss the reality of carbon neutrality, which is difficult to solve with renewable energy (electrification) alone, and the next-generation gas fuel 'e-methane' as its trump card.

Viewing URL: https://www.daigasgroup.com/redirect/youtube_20260326.html

■ Introducing 3 highlights of the keys to achieving decarbonization discussed in the video

【１】The Reality of Decarbonization and the Key: 'e-Methane'

While there is a strong image of decarbonization = electrification (renewable energy), in reality, about 70% of energy demand in Japan, an industrialized nation, is 'heat demand' (heat/fuel) for industrial boilers and furnaces. Electrifying all of this is highly inefficient due to significant energy conversion losses and is not practical in terms of cost. Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) is focusing on 'e-methane,' which can utilize existing infrastructure as is, as the optimal solution for decarbonizing this 'heat' demand.

【２】World's Largest 'e-Methane' Demonstration Project Underway

The raw material for the next-generation fuel 'e-methane' is CO2 reused from the air or industrial emissions. While it emits CO2 during combustion, the same amount of CO2 is captured during production, creating a carbon-neutral (zero-sum) system. e-methane, with a composition almost identical to current city gas, can be utilized without any modifications to existing vast infrastructure assets, from imported LNG tankers to underground gas pipes, household stoves, and water heaters. World-class demonstration projects for such e-methane are underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and a project aiming for import by fiscal year 2030 is starting in the United States.