The Japanese government announced its intention for the country’s gasoline to be blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) by 2030 and E20 by 2040, a move that will have significant benefits for the economic, environmental and human health of Japan and its consumers.
“The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its members and partners are delighted at the news of Japan’s steps towards E10 and E20 and applaud its recognition of ethanol’s ability to reduce harmful emissions in our atmosphere,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.
“The Council is ready and willing to support Japan and its transportation sector in any capacity to help the country meet its energy ambitions.”
The Council is a longstanding supporter of biofuel growth in Japan, including recent steps like witnessing the opening of the first E7 fuel pump in Japan and LeGrand’s participation in a USGC and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conference on sustainable aviation fuel.
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) spearheaded the effort as part of its goal for the country to be carbon neutral by 2050.
METI noted that because of Japan’s relatively low domestic production of ethanol, imports will drastically increase from countries including the U.S. and infrastructure improvements will be required as most of Japan’s fuel stations are only equipped for E3 blends.
The government previously set a target of having all vehicles be fully or partially electrified by 2035, but delays to that initiative and Japan’s concentrated efforts to reduce carbon emissions created the need for higher ethanol blending rates.
“Through promotional activities like the USDA/USGC joint conference in October, the Council will continue ensuring the introduction of higher bioethanol blends in Japan and work to make U.S. corn ethanol a major component in supporting Japanese ethanol blending policies,” said Tommy Hamamoto, USGC director in Japan.
Learn more about the Council’s work in Japan here.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.