Japan aims to switch to biofuel vehicles by 2030s

View of a boulevard in Tokyo, Japan. (Source: LovePik)

Japan's Ministry of Economy , Trade and Industry hopes vehicles will be compatible with gasoline blended with 20 percent biofuel, and said it plans to work with the private sector to develop an action plan by next summer.

Biofuels are made from plants that absorb CO2 and are more effective at reducing CO2 emissions than regular gasoline. Most vehicles can currently run on biofuels at concentrations as low as 3%, but increasing the level to 20% would require setting new standards by verifying the fuel’s safety and impact on carbon emissions.

Securing a stable supply will also be an issue as Japan largely imports biofuels.

The ministry will require suppliers, such as oil wholesalers, to aim to supply fuel blended with 10% biofuel by fiscal 2030 and up to 20% by fiscal 2040.