Decarbonization 'Ideals and Reality': Thorough Explanation of the Latest Trends in Next-Generation Fuel 'e-methane' on PIVOT!
Osaka Gas appears on the business media platform 'PIVOT' to discuss the latest developments in 'e-methane,' a crucial next-generation fuel for achieving carbon neutrality. The program highlights the challenges of relying solely on electrification for decarbonization and explains how e-methane can utilize existing infrastructure to decarbonize heat demand, featuring major demonstration projects in Japan and the US.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 05:11
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President: Masataka Fujiwara) appeared on the popular program '& questions' of the business video media 'PIVOT' and provided a thorough explanation of the latest trends in 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel that is key to realizing a decarbonized society.
In the program, two key figures leading the Daigas Group's (Osaka Gas) decarbonization efforts speak passionately about the reality of carbon neutrality, which is difficult to achieve through renewable energy (electrification) alone, and 'e-methane,' the next-generation gas fuel that serves as a trump card.
Viewing URL: https://www.daigasgroup.com/redirect/youtube_20260326.html
■ Three 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 that decarbonization equals electrification (renewable energy), in fact, about 70% of energy demand in industrial Japan is accounted for by 'heat demand (heat/fuel)' such as industrial boilers and heating furnaces. Electrifying all of these would be highly inefficient due to large energy conversion losses and is not realistic 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.'
[2] The World's Largest 'e-methane' Demonstration Projects are Underway
CO2 emitted from the air or factories is reused as a raw material for the next-generation fuel 'e-methane.' Although CO2 is emitted during combustion, the same amount of CO2 is captured during the production stage, making it a 'net-zero' system that does not increase CO2. e-methane, which has almost the same composition as current city gas, can be used from import LNG tankers to underground gas pipes, and even home stoves and water heaters, without modifying any existing massive infrastructure assets. Such world-class e-methane demonstration projects are underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and a project aimed at importing in fiscal 2030 is starting in the United States.