Mitsubishi Corporation

Introduction of Trial Operations of Compact LNG Filling Facilities for LNG Trucks in Hokkaido

Introduction of Trial Operations of Compact
LNG Filling Facilities for LNG Trucks in Hokkaido

News & Events

Purpose of the Project

The project aims to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. It addresses the challenges of electric vehicles (“EVs”) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (“FCVs”) for heavy-duty trucks, such as limitation in driving range and payload capacity, as well as its lengthy charging/refueling times. LNG-powered trucks ("LNG trucks") are practical and immediate solution towards achieving a carbon-neutral society.

LNG trucks are capable of continuous long-distance travel exceeding 1,000km, a range currently challenging for EVs and FCVs. Further, LNG trucks are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10% or more compared to conventional diesel trucks.

In collaboration with Air Water Inc. ("Air Water"), Mitsubishi Corporation is currently conducting demonstration trials using Japan’s first compact LNG filling facility and LNG trucks. The goal of this project is to promote the adoption of the use of these systems throughout Japan.

The Overview of Trial Operation

Selected for the Ministry of the Environment's Demonstration Project

In May 2021, the project was selected for the Ministry of the Environment's "Low Carbon Technology Research and Development Program"*1.

In April 2023, the Ministry of the Environment granted a two-year extension of the demonstration operation period. As part of this extension, a compressed natural gas (CNG) filling system*2 was added to the LNG filling facility, and its demonstration operations are ongoing.

Additionally, this project supports "Zero Carbon Hokkaido"*3, promoted by the Hokkaido Government.

ゼロカーボン北海道

*1 From FY2022, the program was renamed to "Demonstration Project for Accelerating Practical Use of Innovative CO2 Emission Reduction Infection Control Technologies."
*2 CNG refers to Compressed Natural Gas, which is natural gas in a compressed state (unlike LNG, which is in a liquid form). Current LNG trucks are designed to utilize CNG as an auxiliary fuel during engine warm-up and under heavy load, requiring regular CNG refueling.
*3 "Zero Carbon Hokkaido" is an initiative led by the Hokkaido Government aiming to achieve Hokkaido’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The initiative seeks to advance decarbonization, economic revitalization, and sustainable community development through the cooperation of residents, businesses, municipalities, and organizations.

Achievements in Facility and Vehicle Operations

In April 2022, the LNG filling facility commenced operations in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, followed by the start of operations in Ishikari City in June 2022. Fourteen LNG trucks (Isuzu-made, LNG GIGA) began demonstration runs around these facilities.

Since the start of the demonstration runs in April 2022, the cumulative mileage of LNG trucks has exceeded 2 million kilometers as of August 2024, with no significant issues. Both the LNG filling facility and LNG trucks have maintained stable operations, comparable to conventional diesel vehicles, including necessary refueling time.

In July 2024, two LNG-fueled tractor heads manufactured by Volvo were introduced into the demonstration runs, with their operations commencing in August of the same year.

Introduction of Liquefied Biomethane

In November 2022, the Tomakomai LNG filling facility initiated the mixing of liquefied biomethane(LBM) with LNG, and the refueling/demonstration runs of LNG trucks using this LNG/LBM mixed fuel began.

The LBM is produced from biogas derived from livestock manure in Hokkaido. To date, LBM mixing has been conducted six times at the Tomakomai LNG filling facility, with the LBM proportion in the LNG/LBM mixture reaching a maximum of approximately 60%.

Development of CNG Filling System

In February 2024, a CNG refueling system was added to Tomakomai’s LNG filling facility, enabling CNG refueling for LNG trucks.

  • LNG tractor head manufactured by Volvo Trucks
  • Ishikari LNG filling facility
    1. Liquefied Nitrogen Tank
    2. Cogeneration Dynamo
    3. Boil Off Gas Reliquefaction Facility
    4. LNG Storage Tank
    5. Hot Water Boiler
    6. Temperature Regulator
      Hot Water Evaporator
    7. LNG Dispenser
    8. Boil Off Gas Buffer Tank
    9. UPS Facility
  • Tomakomai LNG filling facility
    1. Liquefied Nitrogen Tank
    2. Boil Off Gas Reliquefaction Facility
    3. LNG Storage Tank
    4. Boil Off Gas Buffer Tank
    5. LNG Dispenser
    6. Temperature Regulator
      Hot Water Evaporator
    7. Hot Water Boiler

Control room in the Facility

Cogeneration power generator

Dispenser nozzle

Emergency power supply

Stairs outside the Facility

Project Partners

Project Partner

Project Participants

Project Participants for Trial Operations of LNG Trucks

Relevant Government Agency

Ministry of the EnvironmentMinistry of the Environment
(Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan)

FAQ

What are the characteristics of the LNG filling facility?

Under the assumption that the LNG filling facility will be set up in the logistics centers of carriers, the partners downsized it so that it can be set up in the parking space of one heavy truck. It is capable of fueling 50 to 60 heavy LNG trucks per day with a fueling time of just 10 minutes per truck. The amount of LNG remaining in the LNG filling facility can be viewed remotely, and by creating a system in which LNG replenishment occurs at the appropriate time with the appropriate amount for the LNG filling facility, the partners plan to establish a stable LNG supply system for the LNG filling facility.
It is also equipped with the world's first power supply standalone cogeneration power generation system that uses the boil-off gas from LNG as fuel. It is capable of refueling the LNG in LNG trucks even during large scale power outages, and one of its special characteristics is that it has superior functions that are also capable of providing power to external sources.

What is the advantage of using LNG as automobile fuel?

Heavy trucks are the second largest sources of CO2 emissions in the area of transport in Japan. Unlike trucks powered by electric batteries or fuel cells, LNG trucks have ranges in excess of 1,000 kilometers and sufficient load capacity.
They are expected to be capable of cutting CO2 emissions by more than 10%* when compared to diesel trucks. LNG trucks have reduced vibration and noise, and special characteristics include their exhaust being extremely green and their lack of a petroleum smell similar to diesel.
* LNG trucks built by Isuzu Motors Ltd. was used in tests undertaken as part of the Ministry of the Environment's “Low Carbon Research and Development Program," which ran from 2016 to fiscal year 2018. The tests confirmed that the truck had a range of more than 1,000 (primarily highway) kilometers per fill-up in city-to-city transport, and that it also produced less than 90% of the CO2 emissions produced by diesel trucks that meet Japan's heavy vehicle fuel efficiency standards set in fiscal year 2015.

What are the details of the trials?

Trials will be performed using 14 LNG trucks manufactured by Isuzu Motors Ltd. for the commercialization of the LNG filling facility. With the cooperation of Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc., the partners plan to assess the system's overall effectiveness and how much it can reduce CO2 emissions and fuels costs typically generated by LNG trucks. The results of the tests will help the partners to determine whether or not to make the system commercially available. We are also considering ways to further reduce CO2 emissions in the future, such as by using CO2-free LNG and by mixing the LNG with liquefied biomethane.

How is the safety of the LNG filling facility?

LNG, which fuels LNG trucks, uses a dedicated nozzle and is completely sealed off as it is an extremely cold liquid. In order to avoid the risk of cold burns, etc. due to touching things that have cold areas, LNG fueling workers must wear protective gloves and face guards. In addition, there are safety measures such as the prohibition of handling heat around the Facilities.
Furthermore, the LNG tank in the LNG filling facility is a dual structure, and the risk of an LNG leak is as low as it could possibly be. In the unlikely event that LNG leaks onto the ground, it will vaporize and dissipate as vaporized gas is lighter than air, and it will not contaminate the land or water as LNG is not poisonous.

When will it be commercially available and how much will it cost?

Based on the results of the trials, Mitsubishi Corporation plans to consider commercialization aiming for the mid-2020's. Mitsubishi Corporation will consider the costs that will be borne by carriers using these trials so that it can provide attractive pricing in comparison to fuel costs for diesel trucks.

For inquiries:

Business Creation Unit, Environmental Energy Group CEO Office

Market Research & Development Office, Isuzu Business Division, Mobility Group

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