Over 30 nations and entities agreed Monday at a forum in Osaka to boost the output and use of hydrogen, biofuel and other sustainable fuels by "at least four times" by 2035 from 2024 levels.
A summary issued by Japan and Brazil, the co-chairs of the inaugural Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels, said participants from 34 countries and international organizations will promote the use of such low-carbon fuels in the manufacturing sector, in addition to the aviation, maritime and road transport sectors.
The world's two biggest carbon dioxide emitters — China and the United States — were not among the participants.
The meeting came as Brazil will host the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP30, in November.
The summary noted the importance in the road transport sector to "develop effective strategies according to each country's circumstances including through combining sustainable fuels such as biofuels and e-fuels with high-performance equipment such as flex fuel and hybrid engines."
Yoji Muto, the Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry, said at the outset of the meeting, "Cooperation among countries and between the public and private sectors is essential in expanding the use of the sustainable fuels."
Japan and Brazil agreed last year to promote sustainable fuels, as an effort to realize carbon neutrality in partnership with the international community.