Aiming to establish technology for bioethanol production that does not compete with food and early commercialization
From the perspective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bioethanol, a type of biofuel, is expected to find use in a range of applications, including automobile fuel and raw materials for chemical products. Recently, it has also gained attention as a raw material for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The ENEOS Group is working to promote an energy transition through carbon-neutral fuels such as biofuels as the world strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Business Policies
- Establishing domestic bioethanol production technology using used paper as the raw material
- Start operation of the demonstration facilities in FY2026
- Commercialization starting in FY2030
Main Initiatives
Ethanol production from cellulosic biomassCellulosic ethanol production to create a carbon-neutral society
Today, the bulk of bioethanol manufactured around the world comes from sugarcane or corn. This creates concerns about competing with food. ENEOS is moving ahead with the development of technology for bioethanol (cellulosic ethanol) production using cellulose resources that cannot be used as food, like used paper and woody biomass such as pulp.
Schematic image of the use of cellulosic ethanol in a carbon-neutral societyDevelopment of continuous ethanol production process with the aim of commercialization
The ENEOS Group is working to develop a process to commercialize cellulosic ethanol. We have operated a demonstration plant that produces 100 kL per year using a continuous production process that combines an efficient pre-processing, a saccharification and fermentation process using our proprietary yeast, and a recovery and circulation process for enzymes and yeast required for woody biomass conversion. This plant was the first* in the world to achieve 20 days of continuous production. At the end of 2023, we signed a joint development contract with TOPPAN Holdings Inc. This allows us to combine the pre-processing process using hard-to-recycle used paper they are developing with our continuous ethanol production process, with the aim of commercialization.
*According to ENEOS survey
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Petroleum Products Business
Taking on the challenge of achieving both a stable supply of energy and materials and the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Renewable Energy Business
We contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through the development and operation of renewable energy power plants.
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