Number of natural gas vehicles introduced in Japan FY 2013-2022

As of the fiscal year 2022, the cumulative total of natural gas vehicles (NGV) introduced in Japan amounted to approximately 49.21 thousand, increasing from roughly 43.6 thousand a decade earlier. However, in recent years growth has lost momentum.

Where do people make use of NGVs?

As Japan is one of the largest liquefied natural gas importers worldwide, it may be surprising that there are few NGVs in Japan. Even some environmental advantages of natural gas over gasoline or diesel do not seem to stir the excitement of regular consumers. Instead, although there exist all kinds of NGVs, their use is specialized. While the gas companies employ most of the mini NGVs, the bulk of NGVs are company-owned trucks. Ultimately, NGVs have remained a niche product for commercial purposes.

Uses of NG other than for vehicles

For Japan, natural gas primarily serves electricity generation, accounting for roughly a third of the production. A significant amount of that electricity is produced close to consumers. Many homes generate their power and hot water with a multi-functional system, such as ENE-FARM, which uses waste heat from its gas-electricity transformation to warm water. Although the system also works on liquefied petroleum gas, it is particularly convenient for homes and businesses with direct access to city gas networks, mainly pipelining NG. Naturally, the gas stoves inside burn the same gas; hence, the total energy supply for city gas clients is largely based on natural gas.