In order to promote decarbonization efforts, JR West has set a goal of completely switching the fuel for diesel vehicles running on the Sanin Main Line and other lines to biofuel made from plants and other sources by 2030, and will begin demonstration experiments.
This was announced by President Kazuaki Hasegawa at a press conference on the 24th.
By 2030, the company aims to switch all fuel for diesel vehicles from light oil to "next-generation biodiesel fuel" made from plant-derived cooking oil and euglena.
Biofuels are expected to save around 55,000 tonnes per year, as carbon emissions can be considered zero.
The company plans to start testing the engine from this fiscal year, conduct running tests with passengers on board in fiscal 2024, and then gradually introduce biofuels from fiscal 2025.
It is said that it is the first railway operator in Japan to conduct a long-term running test with 100% biofuel without mixing light oil.
President Hasegawa said, "Although there is a cost burden, decarbonization is an industry challenge that must be overcome. Improving the advantage that railways are environmentally friendly vehicles will lead to the promotion of their use."