Installation of Methanol Eco SS April 15, 1995

Nippon Oil installed a service station (SS) at Taga Service Area on the Meishin Expressway to supply methanol, a fuel attracting attention for low-emission vehicles. This SS is the first of its kind on an expressway and began operations on March 22, 1995.

This service station is equipped with a dedicated methanol dispenser and a 10-kiloliter underground tank, in addition to conventional gasoline and diesel sales equipment. The price of methanol is set at 43 yen per liter.

This initiative aims to support the expected increase in low-emission vehicles, particularly by expanding the infrastructure for methanol supply on expressways, which is anticipated to further promote the spread of methanol vehicles.

The establishment of this SS holds significant importance as part of Japan's strategy to promote low-emission vehicles and is expected to contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Currently, the status of methanol supply in Japan is gaining increasing importance as a sustainable energy source. Methanol is especially noted as a low-carbon fuel, with demand growing in new markets such as marine fuels and fuel cells. As a result, Japanese companies and the government are beginning to focus on the potential of methanol to help achieve the 2050 carbon-neutral goals.

In addition, recent developments include the advancement of technologies to produce methanol from CO₂ captured at waste treatment facilities, with progress being made in the production of bio-methanol. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has started producing bio-methanol from digester gas in Japan, contributing to regional decarbonization. These initiatives are expected to contribute to the supply of sustainable chemical products and the revitalization of local economies.