Japan to push for biofuel-compatible new cars by 2030s

TOKYO: Japan plans to encourage automakers to make all new passenger cars biofuel-compatible by the early 2030s to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from petrol vehicles, local media reported.

The new goal, unveiled by the industry ministry at a subcommittee meeting, aims to urge oil wholesalers to begin supplying petrol blended with up to 10% bioethanol by fiscal 2030, with plans to increase the share to 20% by fiscal 2040, Jiji Press reported on Monday. The ministry is also considering making this change mandatory through legislation.

Additionally, the ministry is preparing an action plan, which is expected to be finalised by next summer, to support the necessary upgrades to petrol stations to accommodate bioethanol-blended fuels, according to the report.

Bioethanol, made from corn and sugar cane, absorbs CO2 during photosynthesis.

This natural process is believed to help offset the CO2 emissions generated when bioethanol-blended fuels are burned.

By RSS/Xinhua