DENSO estimates that a heat pump air conditioner using biodiesel fuel can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 90 percent compared to the company’s conventional kerosene heat pump air conditioner, currently marketed only in Japan. “DENSO aims to introduce biodiesel engine heat pump air conditioners for industrial use by 2010,” said Kenji Ohya, senior managing director in charge of DENSO Corporation’s Sales Group.

According to the company’s press release, CO2 emissions generated during the combustion of biodiesel fuel, originating from plants, can be offset by CO2 absorbed by plants through photosynthesis, and as a result the amount of CO2 released in the atmosphere is considered to be close to none. DENSO is focusing on reducing CO2 emissions in all company activities, including product development, manufacturing, procurement, and distribution, to reduce its impact on global warming.