JR Kyushu Commences Demonstration Tests of Next-Generation Biofuel (HVO) for Railway Vehicles

The JR Kyushu Group, under the 'JR Kyushu Group Environmental Vision 2050,' aims for business development in harmony with the environment, including reducing GHG emissions that cause global warming, to realize a decarbonized society.

As part of this initiative, the company is considering the introduction of next-generation biofuel (HVO) as an alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles owned by Kyushu Railway Company. Having completed necessary verifications, such as on-site test runs, the company is now launching demonstration tests on commercial trains.

What is next-generation biofuel (HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?

Next-generation biofuel (HVO) is a renewable diesel fuel refined from waste cooking oil and vegetable oil through a hydrotreating process (hydrocracking/deoxygenation).

Since it has a chemical structure almost identical to diesel, it is a drop-in fuel that requires no engine modifications or facility renovations such as fuel tanks.

For these demonstration tests, 'FINE DIESEL,' manufactured and supplied by Itochu Enex Co., Ltd., will be used. 'FINE DIESEL' is a fuel mixed with up to 40% 'Renewable Diesel (RD)' in diesel.

Overview of the demonstration tests:

Test vehicle: YC1 series (regularly refueled with HVO in one of the three cars in the train set). Test period: May 27, 2026, to March 2028 (planned). Running sections: - Nagasaki Main Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Nagasaki Station (including the old Nagasaki line). - Sasebo Line: Between Kouhoku Station and Sasebo Station. - Omura Line: Between Haiki Station and Isahaya Station.