Komatsu is aiming to reduce its CO2 emissions to virtually zero by 2050. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions to zero not only from its own production of construction equipment, but also from the use of construction equipment by its customers. The company aims to achieve this goal by promoting the electrification of construction equipment, improving fuel efficiency, and encouraging customers to use their construction equipment more efficiently, etc.
The company will respond to the fact that ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) investors are emphasizing the reduction of emissions, including those of customers.
The company had previously set a goal of halving its CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. The company plans to reduce 10-15% by electrification and automation of construction machinery, and 20-25% by improving fuel efficiency of products and reducing emissions at factories. While retaining the current plan, a new target will be set for 2050.
Source: The Nikkei (The original article was partially revised by the author.)
PSR Analysis: The wave of zero-emissions will extend to the construction equipment segment as well. Although this goal is a difficult one that cannot be achieved overnight, the impact of Komatsu, the industry leader, setting such a goal will spread to other construction equipment manufacturers.
Of the CO2 emitted from the time construction equipment is manufactured and sold to the time it is used and disposed of by customers, 90% is generated when construction equipment is in operation at construction sites.
As mentioned in the article, in order to reduce CO2 emissions to zero in all phases, the company will start by reviewing the way equipment is manufactured and will promote the electrification and automation of equipment. The company is expected to mass-produce the world’s first 20-ton class electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries by 2022 and will also start developing a 40-ton class excavator and a dump truck powered by hydrogen.
The year 2050 is not far off. Technologically speaking, it will take a lot of innovation in the next few years to achieve this goal.
This is JFK’s moon speech, and it should be interpreted as indicating that the time for discussing the possibility of realization has passed, and that construction equipment manufacturers should take CO2 reduction seriously as a realistic issue. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
