What Can We Do to Become Carbon Neutral?
Engines used in vehicles is an internal combustion engine, and most of them are powered by fossil fuels such as diesel fuel, gasoline and natural gas. Kubota engines are also powered by these fossil fuels.
However, the more we continue to use fossil fuels, the more CO2 will be emitted into the atmosphere.
So, what can Kubota Engine do to become carbon neutral? Kubota Engine is already developing internal combustion engines and powertrains that run on decarbonized fuel.
Decarbonized fuels include hydrogen, ammonia and electricity/batteries, in addition to fuels which existing infrastructure can make use of such as carbon-neutral methane (CN methane), green LP gas, e-fuel and SAF.
For example, we have already announced the Kubota Micro Hybrid
engine that uses electricity and battery power. Its most
important feature is its engine-mounted motor that assists with
instantaneous high load on the engine, and it can also be
expected to reduce fuel consumption.
We are also developing more advanced engines based on this
technology.
In addition, Kubota Engine is also considering developing engines that run on hydrogen as fuel.
Introducing New Energy
Electricity and Batteries
Kubota Engine has already put these technologies to use in our micro hybrid engine. The key feature of this engine is that it can achieve high power despite being a small engine through utilizing a motor when instantaneous power is needed.
Hydrogen and Ammonia
Kubota is also paying attention to using hydrogen (H2) as a fuel. Hydrogen (H2) has been garnering attention in many fields as a clean energy source that emits only water from combustion. However, one of the issues is that it is extremely difficult to handle in transportation and storage. Ammonia (NH3) is also attracting attention as a clean energy source due to its very high potential as a hydrogen carrier. However, there are still issues such as the combustion method.
Can Be Repurposed from Existing Infrastructure
Carbon-Neutral Methane
Carbon-neutral methane (CN methane) is a promising decarbonization technology. It is a synthetic methane derived from the CO2-free hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources and from the CO2 emitted from biomass power generation, thermal power generation, and large-scale industrial facilities.
Green LP Gas
Green LP gas is LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas) that achieves zero CO2 emissions from production to consumption.
E-fuel
E-fuel (Electrofuel) is a synthetic fuel made by storing electrical energy from renewable resources in liquid or gaseous fuels through chemical bonding. It is a promising decarbonization technology.
SAF
SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. It has been garnering attention as a next-generation aviation fuel, as it is capable of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions compared to fossil fuels. SAF is mainly made from biomass-derived raw materials, waste matter such as food waste, etc., and also waste cooking oil. It is considered a sustainable fuel because it is recycled for use as a fuel.
Overcoming All Challenges
One of the things customers from around the world will eventually demand is for engines to be made for carbon neutral.
Applying the internal combustion engine design, development and manufacturing expertise we have cultivated thus far to engines that run on a variety of fuels, particularly engines that run on decarbonized energy, could serve as a solution to issues concerning the environment and energies.
However, compared to automobiles, which are becoming carbon neutral, industrial machinery is often used in demanding conditions, such as:
- Extreme load fluctuations
- Continuous operation under high load
- High torque at low rpm
- Operating in mountainous and rural areas where fuel and energy supply infrastructure is limited
Kubota Engine will develop engines and powertrains that can use even more diverse sources of energy, taking into account the conditions and challenges that the industrial machinery in which they will be installed will face.
For example, the already-announced micro hybrid engine is a system in which a 48-V motor generator is installed instead of an alternator, and electric power is used to instantaneously compensate for high loads.
Continuous Evolution Is the Purpose of Kubota Engine
One of the reasons that Kubota engines are so well received is our collection of constantly evolving innovations.
We believe that this is due to our forward-looking perspective with regard to surveys, research, product development, testing, manufacturing processes, compliance with emission regulations, and other aspects of the market, global circumstances, and social issues.
Looking even further beyond our range of innovations to address challenges of the future, Kubota Engine may even have a part to play in humanity starting settlements in space.
For all of our customers, we intend to open up an entirely new chapter in the history of internal combustion engines, for a sustainable future. We are committed to working toward a sustainable society and to resolving social issues through further innovations.
Kubota Engine's challenge has already begun.
