Decarbonization's 'Ideal and Reality': Latest Developments in Next-Generation Fuel 'e-Methane' Thoroughly Explained at PIVOT!
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 05:11
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 of 'e-methane,' a next-generation fuel key to achieving a decarbonized society.
In the program, two key figures leading the Daigas Group's (Osaka Gas) initiatives toward decarbonization passionately discussed the reality of carbon neutrality, which is difficult to achieve solely through renewable energy (electrification), and 'e-methane,' the next-generation gas fuel poised to be its trump card.
Viewing URL: https://www.daigasgroup.com/redirect/youtube_20260326.html
■ Introducing 3 Key Highlights for Achieving Decarbonization Discussed in the Video
【１】The Reality of Decarbonization and the Key 'e-Methane'
Although there is a strong image that decarbonization means electrification (renewable energy), in reality, about 70% of Japan's energy demand as an industrialized nation is accounted for by 'heat demand (heat/fuel)' from sources like industrial boilers and heating furnaces. Electrifying all of these would result in significant energy conversion loss, making it highly inefficient and not realistic in terms of cost. As the optimal solution to achieve decarbonization of this 'heat,' the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) is focusing on 'e-methane,' which can utilize existing infrastructure as is.
【２】The World's Largest 'e-Methane' Demonstration Projects Are Underway
For the raw material of next-generation fuel 'e-methane,' CO2 emitted from the atmosphere and factories is reused. Although CO2 is emitted during combustion, the same amount of CO2 is captured during the production stage, making it a carbon-neutral mechanism that does not increase CO2. E-methane, which has almost the same components as current city gas, can be utilized without any modification to the existing massive infrastructure assets, from LNG tankers for import to underground gas pipes, and even household stoves and water heaters. Among such e-methane projects, the world's largest demonstration project is underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and a project aiming for imports in fiscal year 2030 is starting in the United States.
In the program, two key figures leading the Daigas Group's (Osaka Gas) initiatives toward decarbonization passionately discussed the reality of carbon neutrality, which is difficult to achieve solely through renewable energy (electrification), and 'e-methane,' the next-generation gas fuel poised to be its trump card.
Viewing URL: https://www.daigasgroup.com/redirect/youtube_20260326.html
■ Introducing 3 Key Highlights for Achieving Decarbonization Discussed in the Video
【１】The Reality of Decarbonization and the Key 'e-Methane'
Although there is a strong image that decarbonization means electrification (renewable energy), in reality, about 70% of Japan's energy demand as an industrialized nation is accounted for by 'heat demand (heat/fuel)' from sources like industrial boilers and heating furnaces. Electrifying all of these would result in significant energy conversion loss, making it highly inefficient and not realistic in terms of cost. As the optimal solution to achieve decarbonization of this 'heat,' the Daigas Group (Osaka Gas) is focusing on 'e-methane,' which can utilize existing infrastructure as is.
【２】The World's Largest 'e-Methane' Demonstration Projects Are Underway
For the raw material of next-generation fuel 'e-methane,' CO2 emitted from the atmosphere and factories is reused. Although CO2 is emitted during combustion, the same amount of CO2 is captured during the production stage, making it a carbon-neutral mechanism that does not increase CO2. E-methane, which has almost the same components as current city gas, can be utilized without any modification to the existing massive infrastructure assets, from LNG tankers for import to underground gas pipes, and even household stoves and water heaters. Among such e-methane projects, the world's largest demonstration project is underway in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and a project aiming for imports in fiscal year 2030 is starting in the United States.