Collaboration begins to increase distribution of 40% renewable diesel blends in Japan

Refueling an Inpex Logistics tanker truck with RD40. (Photo: Inpex)

Inpex Japan Ltd., a subsidiary of Inpex Corp., Inpex Logistics Co. Ltd., Itochu Corp. and Itochu Enex Co. Ltd. began the commercial supply of 40 percent renewable diesel blends (RD40) in late September.

The four companies are collaborating in cooperation with renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste Corp.

The goal of the collaboration is to supply RD40 to 18 tanker trucks carrying petroleum products that Inpex Logistics distributes in the Hokuriku and Koshinetsu regions of Japan.

The Inpex and Itochu groups will construct a supply chain for mixing fuels and refueling using the Inpex Group’s business network in the Hokuriku and Koshinetsu regions.

The four companies will work together to ensure nationwide distribution of RD40.

Itochu is procuring the renewable diesel from Neste while Itochu Enex is blending the biofuel with petroleum diesel to make the RD40 blends.

Inpex is then using the blended biofuel in its logistics vehicles.

Past initiatives

In May 2021, Itochu realized the commercial use of 100 percent renewable diesel fuel for trucks delivering goods to the stores of FamilyMart Co. Ltd.

Additionally, Itochu and Itochu Enex have collaborated to establish a supply chain for the delivery of 100 percent renewable diesel products that includes the construction of fueling stations, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions in the transportation, construction and other industries.

In June 2022, renewable diesel was used for the first time in Japan to fuel tank trucks owned by the Inpex Group and used to transport petroleum products.

“Because of accomplishments like these, Japanese customers have praised Neste’s ability to stably supply its products and the excellent quality of these products,” Inpex stated.

Increased popularity of renewable diesel

Regulations in Japan limit the use of 100 percent renewable diesel fuels to special vehicles and its concurrent use with diesel fuel is not permitted, according to Inpex.

RD40 is not subject to these limitations, the company said, and its combined use with diesel fuel is permitted.

For example, if a vehicle is short of fuel while operating, it can be refueled with diesel fuel.

This improves the convenience and contributes to the popularity of renewable diesel, according to Inpex.

The four companies will continue to collaborate to ensure that RD40 is introduced in the next fiscal year in the land transportation, construction, airport, port and railway industries within which the Inpex and Itochu groups operate.