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—a challenge difficult to solve with renewable energy (electrification) alone—and the trump card for this issue, the next-generation gas fuel 'e-methane'.

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

■ Here are three highlights on the key to achieving decarbonization as discussed in the video

[1] The reality of decarbonization and the key, 'e-methane'

While decarbonization often brings to mind electrification (renewable energy), the reality is that in an industrial country like Japan, about 70% of energy demand is for 'heat demand (heat/fuel)' from industrial boilers and furnaces. Electrifying all of this is highly inefficient due to significant energy conversion losses and is not realistic from a cost perspective. The Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) is focusing on 'e-methane' as the optimal solution to decarbonize this 'heat,' as it allows for the continued use of existing infrastructure.

[2] The world's largest 'e-methane' demonstration project is in motion

The next-generation fuel 'e-methane' is produced using CO2 recycled from the air or from factory emissions. Although CO2 is emitted when it's burned, an equivalent amount is captured during its production, creating a net-zero system that does not increase CO2 levels. E-methane has nearly the same composition as current city gas, allowing it to be used with the vast existing infrastructure—from LNG tankers and underground gas pipes to household stoves and water heaters—without any modifications. One of the world's largest demonstration projects for e-methane is underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and another project aiming for imports by FY2030 has started in the United States.