JR Kyushu Commences Demonstration Tests of Next-Generation Biofuel (HVO) for Railway Vehicles
Based on its Environmental Vision 2050, JR Kyushu will begin demonstration tests on May 27, introducing next-generation biofuel (HVO) into commercial trains to decarbonize its fleet.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 23:00
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The JR Kyushu Group, under the 'JR Kyushu Group Environmental Vision 2050,' aims for business development in harmony with the environment, including reducing GHG emissions that cause global warming, to realize a decarbonized society.
As part of this initiative, the company is considering the introduction of next-generation biofuel (HVO) as an alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles owned by Kyushu Railway Company. Having completed necessary verifications, such as on-site test runs, the company is now launching demonstration tests on commercial trains.
What is next-generation biofuel (HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?
Next-generation biofuel (HVO) is a renewable diesel fuel refined from waste cooking oil and vegetable oil through a hydrotreating process (hydrocracking/deoxygenation).
Since it has a chemical structure almost identical to diesel, it is a drop-in fuel that requires no engine modifications or facility renovations such as fuel tanks.
For these demonstration tests, 'FINE DIESEL,' manufactured and supplied by Itochu Enex Co., Ltd., will be used. 'FINE DIESEL' is a fuel mixed with up to 40% 'Renewable Diesel (RD)' in diesel.
Overview of the demonstration tests:
Test vehicle: YC1 series (regularly refueled with HVO in one of the three cars in the train set).
Test period: May 27, 2026, to March 2028 (planned).
Running sections:
- Nagasaki Main Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Nagasaki Station (including the old Nagasaki line).
- Sasebo Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Sasebo Station.
- Omura Line: Between Haiki Station and Isahaya Station.
As part of this initiative, the company is considering the introduction of next-generation biofuel (HVO) as an alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles owned by Kyushu Railway Company. Having completed necessary verifications, such as on-site test runs, the company is now launching demonstration tests on commercial trains.
What is next-generation biofuel (HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?
Next-generation biofuel (HVO) is a renewable diesel fuel refined from waste cooking oil and vegetable oil through a hydrotreating process (hydrocracking/deoxygenation).
Since it has a chemical structure almost identical to diesel, it is a drop-in fuel that requires no engine modifications or facility renovations such as fuel tanks.
For these demonstration tests, 'FINE DIESEL,' manufactured and supplied by Itochu Enex Co., Ltd., will be used. 'FINE DIESEL' is a fuel mixed with up to 40% 'Renewable Diesel (RD)' in diesel.
Overview of the demonstration tests:
Test vehicle: YC1 series (regularly refueled with HVO in one of the three cars in the train set).
Test period: May 27, 2026, to March 2028 (planned).
Running sections:
- Nagasaki Main Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Nagasaki Station (including the old Nagasaki line).
- Sasebo Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Sasebo Station.
- Omura Line: Between Haiki Station and Isahaya Station.
FAQ
JR九州が導入する次世代バイオ燃料とは何ですか？
廃食用油や植物油を原料とし、水素処理によって精製された再生可能ディーゼル燃料（HVO）です。軽油と化学構造が近く、エンジンの改造が不要なドロップイン燃料です。
実証試験ではどの燃料を使用しますか？
伊藤忠エネクス株式会社が製造・供給する「FINE DIESEL」を使用します。これは軽油に最大40%の「リニューアブルディーゼル（RD）」を混合した燃料です。
実証試験はいつまで実施されますか？
2026年5月27日から2028年3月までを予定しています。
実証試験の対象車両と走行区間はどこですか？
YC1系車両（3両編成のうち1両）を用い、長崎本線（江北-長崎）、佐世保線（江北-佐世保）、大村線（早岐-諫早）で走行試験を行います。
なぜこの実証試験を行うのですか？
「JR九州グループ環境ビジョン2050」に基づき、鉄道車両の脱炭素化とGHG排出量の削減を目指す取り組みの一環です。