The 'Ideal and Reality' of Decarbonization: A Thorough Explanation of the Latest Trends in the Next-Generation Fuel 'e-Methane' on PIVOT!
Key facts
- The 'Ideal and Reality' of Decarbonization: A Thorough Explanation of the Latest Trends in the Next-Generation Fuel 'e-Methane' on PIVOT!
- Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. appeared on the business media channel 'PIVOT' to discuss 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel key to achieving a decarbonized society. Two key figures from the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) explain the challenges of carbon neutrality that cannot be solved by renewable energy alone and introduce e-methane as a solution, highlighting major demonstration projects underway.
- Date: March 30, 2026
Direct answer
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. appeared on the business media channel 'PIVOT' to discuss 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel key to achieving a decarbonized society. Two key figures from the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) explain the challenges of carbon neutrality that cannot be solved by renewable energy alone and introduce e-methane as a solution, highlighting major demonstration projects underway.
- Citation
- The 'Ideal and Reality' of Decarbonization: A Thorough Explanation of the Latest Trends in the Next-Generation Fuel 'e-Methane' on PIVOT! (March 30, 2026)
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- March 30, 2026
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. appeared on the business media channel 'PIVOT' to discuss 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel key to achieving a decarbonized society. Two key figures from the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) explain the challenges of carbon neutrality that cannot be solved by renewable energy alone and introduce e-methane as a solution, highlighting major demonstration projects underway.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 07:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 21:27 (1382h 26m after Published)
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President: Masataka Fujiwara) appeared on the popular program '& questions' on the business video media 'PIVOT' to provide a thorough explanation of the latest trends in 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel that is key to achieving a decarbonized society.
In the program, two key figures leading the decarbonization efforts of the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) 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' that serves as a trump card.
Viewing URL: https://www.daigasgroup.com/redirect/youtube_20260326.html
■ Here are three key highlights for achieving decarbonization discussed in the video
[1] The reality of decarbonization and the key: 'e-methane'
While there is a strong image that decarbonization equals electrification (renewable energy), in reality, about 70% of the energy demand in Japan, an industrial country, is for 'heat demand (heat/fuel)' such as industrial boilers and heating furnaces. Electrifying all of this is highly inefficient due to large energy conversion losses and is not realistic from a cost perspective. The Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) is focusing on 'e-methane,' which can utilize existing infrastructure as is, as the optimal solution to decarbonize this 'heat'.
[2] The world's largest 'e-methane' demonstration project is now underway
The raw material for the next-generation fuel 'e-methane' is CO2 recycled from the air and factory emissions. Although CO2 is emitted during combustion, the same amount of CO2 is captured during the manufacturing process, creating a carbon-neutral, net-zero system. E-methane, which has almost the same composition as current city gas, can be used without any modification to the vast existing infrastructure, from LNG tankers for import to underground gas pipes, and even home stoves and water heaters. The world's largest demonstration project for such e-methane is underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and another project aiming for imports in fiscal 2030 has started in the United States.
FAQ
What is e-methane and why is it considered a next-generation fuel for decarbonization?
E-methane is a next-generation fuel that is key to achieving a decarbonized society. It is made from CO2 recycled from the air and factory emissions, creating a carbon-neutral, net-zero system.
What are the limitations of relying solely on electrification for decarbonization in Japan?
Electrifying all of Japan's energy demand, which is about 70% 'heat demand' (heat/fuel), is highly inefficient due to large energy conversion losses and is not realistic from a cost perspective.
How does e-methane contribute to decarbonizing 'heat demand'?
E-methane is presented as an optimal solution to decarbonize 'heat demand' because it can utilize existing infrastructure as is, making it a practical and cost-effective approach.
What are the raw materials used to produce e-methane?
The raw materials for e-methane are CO2 recycled from the air and factory emissions. This process ensures that the CO2 emitted during combustion is offset by the CO2 captured during its manufacturing.
What makes e-methane compatible with existing infrastructure?
E-methane has almost the same composition as current city gas, allowing it to be used without any modification to the vast existing infrastructure, including LNG tankers, underground gas pipes, home stoves, and water heaters.