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. (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.