The Japanese government is advocating for a transition to biofuel-compatible vehicles, with a target set for the early 2030s, as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has announced plans for vehicles to operate on gasoline blended with up to 20 percent biofuel.
To achieve this goal, METI will work alongside the private sector to draft an action plan by the summer of 2024. This collaboration seeks to address the technological and regulatory adjustments needed for the automotive industry to embrace biofuels as a viable alternative to conventional fuels.
Biofuel, produced from plant materials that absorb carbon dioxide, offers a potentially significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional gasoline. While many current vehicles can already utilize biofuels at low percentages—typically around 3 percent—raising that concentration to 20 percent poses challenges that necessitate the establishment of new safety standards and evaluations regarding overall carbon impact.
The issue of supply stability is also a concern, as Japan imports the majority of its biofuel resources. In light of this, METI plans to urge fuel suppliers, including petroleum wholesalers, to target a delivery of fuel mixed with up to 10 percent biofuel by fiscal year 2030, and an increase to 20 percent by fiscal year 2040.
This initiative underscores Japan’s commitment to enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions in the automotive sector.
