Research and Development
Toward a Carbon Neutral Society, we are conducting ongoing research and development.
On April 1, 2022 we established the Carbon Neutral Promotion Group, a specialized department within the Corporate Planning & Management Department dedicated to accelerating the shift to carbon neutrality in our business operations. In addition to conducting research and development into green LPG in a research and development project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the Group is also working to study and promote carbon neutralization in the supply chain of its LPG distribution business, including import, storage, and delivery.
R&D of Carbon Recycled LP Gas Manufacturing Technology and Processes (NEDO-commissioned Project)
We commenced research and development into the production of green LPG using CO2 emitted from power generation facilities as raw material under a research and development project (Development of Technologies for Carbon Recycling and Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation/R&D and Demonstration Base for Carbon Recycling/R&D of Carbon Recycled LP Gas Manufacturing Technology and Processes) commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization ("NEDO") as of April 1, 2022. The three main research and development topics in this NEDO-commissioned project, which is being conducted jointly with Nippon Steel Corporation and the University of Toyama, are development of synthetic catalyst technology (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) for LPG production, investigation of production processes for green LPG, and consideration of models for societal implementation. In Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, in addition to LPG constituents with C3 and C4 carbon numbers, co-products such as C1 methane, C2 ethane, and liquid hydrocarbons with C5 or higher carbon numbers are also generated, and treatment of these co-products is an area that will be studied during consideration of model for implementing this technology in society.
About Institute of Japan Green LP Gas Promotion
In October 2021, ENEOS GLOBE Corporation, together with Astomos Energy Corporation, Gyxis Corporation, Japan Gas Energy Corporation, and Iwatani Corporation, established the Institute of Japan Green LP Gas Promotion. The Institute is working to promote the research and development of green LPG via two methods: (1) LPG synthesis from hydrogen and carbon dioxide in collaboration with the University of Kitakyushu, and (2) LPG production via DME synthesis from biomaterials in collaboration with major catalyst manufacturers. The latter is a NEDO-commissioned project.
LPG's Position in Japan's Carbon Neutrality Policy
LPG has been recognized as an important energy source in both normal times and emergencies due to its portability and ease of storage.
Green Growth Strategy through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050 (resolved by Cabinet decision in June 2021)
・Demand for LPG is forecast to remain at around 60% of current level in 2050.
・LPG synthesis technology will be developed and commercialized by 2030.
・Japan aims to meet all LPG gas demand via green LP gas by 2050.
The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan (resolved by Cabinet decision in October 2021)
・LPG is a key energy source that contributes to energy supply not only during normal times but also during emergencies as a “final stronghold.”
・Securing a robust energy supply system that is resilient in emergency situations is a critical matter for Japan.
・The Japanese government will encourage the research and development of bio-LPG and synthetic LPG and their integration into society in order to achieve carbon neutrality.