JR Kyushu Launches Demonstration Test for Next-Generation Biofuel (HVO) Adoption
Under the 'JR Kyushu Group Environmental Vision 2050,' JR Kyushu is starting a demonstration test on commercial trains using next-generation biofuel (HVO) to achieve railway decarbonization. The test is scheduled from May 27, 2026, to March 2028.
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- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 01:09
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The JR Kyushu Group aims for business development in harmony with the environment, such as reducing GHG emissions that cause global warming, under the 'JR Kyushu Group Environmental Vision 2050' to realize a decarbonized society.
As part of these efforts, the company is considering the introduction of next-generation biofuel (HVO) as a substitute for diesel fuel in its rolling stock to decarbonize its railway operations. Following the completion of necessary verifications, including yard test runs, the company will now begin a demonstration test on commercial trains.
What is next-generation biofuel (commonly known as HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?
HVO is a next-generation renewable diesel fuel refined through hydrogenation (hydrocracking/deoxygenation) using waste cooking oil and vegetable oil as raw materials.
Because it has a chemical structure almost identical to diesel, it is a drop-in fuel that does not require engine modifications or facility changes such as fuel tanks.
In this demonstration test, the company will use 'FINE DIESEL,' manufactured and supplied by Itochu Enex Co., Ltd. 'FINE DIESEL' is a fuel blended with up to 40% 'Renewable Diesel (RD)' in diesel.
Details of the demonstration test:
- Test vehicle: YC1 series
* HVO will be refueled periodically for one of the three cars in the train set.
- Test period: May 27, 2026 - March 2028 (planned).
- Operation lines:
* Nagasaki Main Line: Between Kohoku Station and Nagasaki Station (including the old Nagasaki line)
* Sasebo Line: Between Kohoku Station and Sasebo Station
* Omura Line: Between Haiki Station and Isahaya Station
* A sticker will be displayed inside and outside the test vehicle.
As part of these efforts, the company is considering the introduction of next-generation biofuel (HVO) as a substitute for diesel fuel in its rolling stock to decarbonize its railway operations. Following the completion of necessary verifications, including yard test runs, the company will now begin a demonstration test on commercial trains.
What is next-generation biofuel (commonly known as HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?
HVO is a next-generation renewable diesel fuel refined through hydrogenation (hydrocracking/deoxygenation) using waste cooking oil and vegetable oil as raw materials.
Because it has a chemical structure almost identical to diesel, it is a drop-in fuel that does not require engine modifications or facility changes such as fuel tanks.
In this demonstration test, the company will use 'FINE DIESEL,' manufactured and supplied by Itochu Enex Co., Ltd. 'FINE DIESEL' is a fuel blended with up to 40% 'Renewable Diesel (RD)' in diesel.
Details of the demonstration test:
- Test vehicle: YC1 series
* HVO will be refueled periodically for one of the three cars in the train set.
- Test period: May 27, 2026 - March 2028 (planned).
- Operation lines:
* Nagasaki Main Line: Between Kohoku Station and Nagasaki Station (including the old Nagasaki line)
* Sasebo Line: Between Kohoku Station and Sasebo Station
* Omura Line: Between Haiki Station and Isahaya Station
* A sticker will be displayed inside and outside the test vehicle.
FAQ
JR九州が実証試験で導入する次世代バイオ燃料とは？
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。軽油とほぼ同等の構造を持ち、既存エンジンや設備の改造なしで使用できるドロップイン燃料です。
今回の実証試験で使用される「FINE DIESEL」の特徴は？
伊藤忠エネクスが製造・供給する燃料で、軽油に最大40%の「リニューアブルディーゼル（RD）」を混合したものです。
実証試験の対象車両と走行区間は？
YC1系車両が対象です。走行区間は、長崎本線（江北～長崎間）、佐世保線（江北～佐世保間）、大村線（早岐～諫早間）です。
実証試験の期間はいつからいつまで？
2026年5月27日から2028年3月までの期間で予定されています。
この実証試験の目的は？
鉄道車両の脱炭素化に向けた取り組みであり、「JR九州グループ環境ビジョン2050」の下でGHG排出量を削減し、環境と調和した事業展開を目指すためです。