CLIMATE CHANGE (ENDEAVORING TOWARD CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2050)

Mazda recognizes the importance of initiatives for reducing CO₂ emissions across the entirety of vehicles’ life cycles. For this reason, the Company is working to achieve fundamental reductions to CO₂ emissions. The Company is adopting a multi-solution approach toward this undertaking in which it offers the most ideal option to match the needs of the energy sources, generation methods, and customers found in specific markets. These efforts are informed by a well-to-wheel perspective and a life cycle assessment perspective. The Company seeks to reduce energy consumption and diversify its sources of energy in manufacturing and logistics in order to cut total global CO₂ emissions for factories, offices, and logistics operations. Cross-supply chain efforts will be imperative to accomplishing our objectives, and the Company will thus be working toward these goals with the cooperation of local governments and other industries.

Life cycle assessments entail calculating and assessing the environmental impact across the entire life cycle of a vehicle, which begins with raw material procurement and goes on to include manufacturing, use, recycling, and ultimately disposal. Mazda began conducting life cycle assessments in 2009 as a way to identify the opportunities for reducing environmental impacts regarding the vehicle life cycle, and the Company is actively making efforts to reduce environmental impacts at each stage of this life cycle. In addition, the Company carries out objective and reliable evaluations of new technologies that influence the environmental performance of vehicles based on methods that comply with international standards (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044). In FY March 2019, the Company assessed the CO₂ emissions across the life cycles of internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs in five regions around the world. These assessments found that the CO₂ emissions across the life cycles of such vehicles vary depending on regional conditions such as electricity-related circumstances, fuel economy and electric efficiency, and total travel distances. Based on the results of such assessments, the Company is promoting technology development based on a multi-solution approach. 

Mazda seeks to maximize its contribution to the reduction of emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases from the perspectives of both tank-to-wheel emissions that occur while driving and also well-to-wheel emissions, including those from fuel extraction, refining, and power generation (well-to-tank).

Mazda has announced that it will endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050.

As a milestone on its road to achieving carbon neutrality throughout the entire supply chain by 2050, Mazda will endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality at its factories worldwide by 2035. To guide us toward this goal, the Company have specified our medium-term targets and road map for achieving carbon neutrality at its plants and operational sites in Japan,*1 which account for approximately 75% of our global total CO₂ emissions.

Mazda has defined three pillars for its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality—energy conservation, shifting to renewable energies, and introducing carbon-neutral fuels. By advancing initiatives based on these pillars, the Company will seek to reduce CO₂ emissions from factories and operating sites in Japan by 69%*2 from the level seen in FY March 2014 by FY March 2031 and achieve a usage ratio for non-fossil fuel power of 75%*2 by the same year. 

*1 Total of 17 factories and operating sites in Japan, including Mazda’s headquarters and Hiroshima Plant (Aki-gun and Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture), Hofu Plant (Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), and Miyoshi Plant (Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture) 

*2 Mazda is currently reevaluating these targets in light of the latest situations.

Mazda is advancing initiatives based on the following pillars with the cooperation of local governments and other industries. Initiatives implemented in Japan are used as models for finding the best possible approach for initiatives at overseas factories. 

In terms of energy conservation, Mazda utilizes internal carbon pricing as one of its capital investment decision criteria. By incorporating future carbon trading prices into the decision-making process, the Company will accelerate investments that promise major contributions to CO₂ emissions reductions. The Company will continue working in all areas, including production and indirect departments such as infrastructure, to improve the efficiency of its facilities and evolve its technologies.

【Statistics from FY March 2024】

・Reduction of total CO₂ emissions from Mazda’s principal domestic sites*2 of 22% (667 thousand t-CO₂)*3 compared with FY March 2014 

・Reduction of 55.8% in emissions per unit of sales revenue reduced (18.3 t-CO₂ ¥\100 million) compared with FY March 2014 

・Promotion of activities at production sites in Japan and overseas to improve facility operation rates, shorten cycle times, and cut losses at each step of energy use spanning from production to consumption. Monotsukuri Innovation advanced to reduce per-unit energy consumption.

・Material weight reduced by using thinner casted and forged parts, and energy consumption reduced by shortening forging cycle time and downsizing capacity of melting and heat treatment equipment.

・Conventional flexible production lines evolved to realize higher-efficiency, mixed-flow production; more efficient manufacturing pursued by rationalizing, consolidating, and integrating production lines.

・Amount of scraps generated in manufacturing of press parts reduced and parts retrieved from scraps to reduce the amount of use of steel sheets; multi-pressing involving molding of several parts using a single die adopted, resulting in both consolidation of processes and reduction of energy consumption.

・Introduction completed for the Aqua-Tech Paint System, a new water-based painting technology realized through the integration of painting functions and highly efficient painting technologies, into the Hofu Plant No. 2; Aqua-Tech Paint System introduced at global production sites, resulting in reduced energy use and a substantial reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

*1 Framework for promoting low carbon investment and low carbon policies via use of internally decided carbon pricing 

*2 Total of 17 factories and operating sites in Japan, including Mazda’s Head Office and Hiroshima Plant, Hofu Plant, and Miyoshi Plant

*3 Market-based: For within Japan, emissions factors given in the Ministry of the Environment’s GHG accounting and reporting system are used.

As part of its shift to renewable energies, Mazda will be switching the fuel used to supply the power generation facilities of MCM Energy Service Co., Ltd. at the Hiroshima Plant, Ujina District from coal to ammonia. In addition, the Company will install solar panels on the roof of the Hiroshima Plant, utilize corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) between Mazda bases and local partners, and increase the purchase of non-fossil fuel-derived sustainable energy from power companies. Through these measures, the Comapany plans to achieve a usage ratio for non-fossil fuel power of 75% by FY March 2031.

Mazda is working to decarbonize its cogeneration (electricity and steam supply) facilities located on its premises by switching from coal to other fuels. In order to take more realistic steps toward achieving CN, the company is considering the most appropriate measures from various perspectives, including efficient technologies, and the stability of procurement of low-cost alternative fuels.

Solar Power Adoption
Mazda promotes the use of renewable energy* for in-house power. 

• Solar panels have been installed at the Hiroshima Plant, and operation of a solar power generation system was started at this site in July 2021. Electricity generated by this system is used to charge the batteries of the MX-30 EV models produced at the plant and for other manufacturing processes. 
• A solar power system has been installed on the roof of the radio wave experiment building of the Miyoshi Plant. Electricity generated by this system is used to provide power and lighting for the building, thereby continuously contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. 
• At the Hofu Plant, solar-powered units have been introduced for some corridor lighting.
• Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) in Mexico installed outdoor solar lighting, thereby promoting effective use of renewable energy using solar power and LEDs. 
• Introducing renewable energy is also accelerating at affiliated companies in Japan and overseas. They are systematically implementing measures such as introducing solar power generation facilities and purchasing electricity with low CO₂ emissions.

【Statistics from FY March 2024】

・ Generation of 1,788MWh of power at the Hiroshima Plant

・ Generation of 26 MWh of power at the Miyoshi Plant

Environmental data (Amount of electricity generated from renewable energy) 

* Refers to natural energy sources that can be used continuously without being depleted, such as electricity generation using solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, or biomass power, or direct solar heating, and that generate zero or negligible CO₂ emissions.

Conclusion of Off-Site Corporate PPAs on Solar Power Generation with Local Companies

Mazda prioritizes cooperation with local industries when it comes to introducing Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs) in conjunction with new renewable energy development projects. Accordingly, the Company invests in renewable energy generation through an approach that matches the characteristics of the regions in which we position our domestic bases. As Step 1 of this approach, Mazda concluded an off-site corporate PPA*1 with Toyo Seat Co., Ltd.; Choshu Industry Co., Ltd.; and The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Ltd. Procurement of renewable energy based on this agreement commenced in FY March 2024. Going forward, we will move forward with on-site corporate PPA*2 and off-site corporate PPA plans, which call for increased coordination with business partners and other local businesses, as Step 2 of this approach and then go on to expand the scope of these efforts as a business advanced together with local industries, which will constitute Step 3. Through this process, Mazda will promote the expansion of renewable energy in the region.The following is a look at our efforts in Step 1. 

In March 2023, with an eye to bringing about a carbon-neutral society, Mazda concluded an off-site corporate PPA to procure electricity from renewable sources with a number of local companies: Toyo Seat, Choshu Industry, and Chugoku Electric Power.*3  Under the PPA, Choshu Industry will serve as the electricity producer, with Choshu Industry and Mazda installing new solar power generation facilities on unused land in the Chugoku region and using those facilities to generate electricity, which will then be sold to Chugoku Electric Power. Chugoku Electric Power will then supply this electricity to Toyo Seat and Mazda as renewable energy. This agreement represents the Chugoku region’s first off-site corporate PPA involving more than one electricity user. Under the PPA, Chugoku Electric Power has commenced the supply of approximately 4,900 kW in renewable energy generated by solar panels to plants and other places of business belonging to Toyo Seat and Mazda since April 2023. These arrangements have reduced annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 2,610 tons. 

*1 An off-site corporate PPA is a long-term contract for the purchase of electricity under which a company producing electricity through solar power generation facilities agrees to provide power generated using those facilities to a designated user or users based in a location separate from the solar power generation facilities, supplying that power to them via an electricity transmission network operated by an electricity retailer. 

*2 An on-site corporate PPA is a contract that involves a company installing solar power, wind power, or other renewable energy generation facilities on its premises and directly purchasing electricity generated by said facilities.

*3 In 2022, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry provided subsidies to cover a portion of the expense of installing solar power generation facilities in cases where users of electricity coordinated with an electricity producer to build such facilities. These subsidies were intended to promote such collaboration and to encourage wider adoption of independent initiatives to establish renewable energy sources with the goal of contributing to a reliable, long-term supply–demand balance in energy use during the period up until 2030, thereby supporting the achievement of ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The aforementioned PPA arrangement was applicable under this subsidy program.

Mazda believes that coordination with communities as well as with other companies, government agencies, academic organizations, and financial institutions is imperative to the ongoing expansion of renewable energy use. To facilitate such coordination, Mazda joined the Carbon Neutral Electricity Promotion Subcommittee, an expert subcommittee of the Chugoku Region Carbon Neutrality Promotion Council, in 2021. As a member of this subcommittee, the Company has worked with collaboration partners to formulate a road map to help expand supply and demand for electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Mazda began verification tests aimed at putting this road map into practice in 2023 and is moving toward the implementation stage. 

As it promotes the introduction of carbon-neutral fuels for use at its factories, Mazda will be switching the fuel used to power vehicles for transport within the Company from diesel to a next-generation biofuel. The Company is also transitioning to biomass fuel for powering manufacturing processes and steadily moving forward with other highly feasible initiatives. The transition to carbon-neutral fuel requires coordination across the fuel supply chain, which encompasses the production, transportation, storage, and use of fuel. Accordingly, the Company is coordinating our efforts with relevant partners across the supply chain to move forward with the introduction of carbon-neutral fuels. In cases where generating power from alternative fuel sources proves difficult, we will make use of J-Credits to promote forest preservation and reforestation to absorb CO₂ in the Chugoku region and other regions. 

Underwriting of Convertible Bonds Issued by Euglena 

In January 2023, Mazda decided to underwrite the unsecured convertible bonds to be issued by Euglena Co., Ltd. Through the underwriting, the Company will support Euglena’s biofuels business aimed at expanding the use of next-generation biofuels. Euglena announced that it had been examining with two leading overseas energy companies the possibility of developing and operating a biorefinery in Malaysia to commercialize its biofuel business as well as to increase adoption of next-generation biofuels. The Company is examining the possibility of procuring the next-generation biofuels to be manufactured through this project for use in logistics and other internal processes.

Expansion of Carbon-Neutral Fuel Supply and Demand in the Chugoku Region 

Mazda aims to develop carbon-neutral fuel supply chains in the Chugoku region. To this end, the Company took part in the Carbon Neutral Fuel Promotion Subcommittee, which was established in June 2023 as an expert subcommittee of the Chugoku Region Carbon Neutrality Promotion Council created in 2021. Together with partners in this subcommittee, we are formulating a road map to help expand supply and demand for carbon-neutral fuels. Verification and implementation of this road map is scheduled to begin in late 2024. 

 J-Credits

With the goal of contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, Mazda has concluded a sales and purchase agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., covering J-Credits generated through appropriate forest management. The credits are certified by the Japanese government under the J-Credit Scheme. As the first company to use J-Credits, the Company will purchase credits based on the absorption of CO₂ through forest preservation initiatives over an eight-year period from FY March 2023 to FY March 2030. The Company decided to purchase J-Credits to contribute to CO₂ absorption and decarbonization in the Chugoku region, where the Company is based, while also protecting and nurturing local forest resources, developing industries, and maintaining employment.

Mazda is working with logistics companies, dealerships, and other automobile manufacturers throughout Japan in its external transportation of vehicles, parts, and other items to supply customers with the volumes of products and parts they require, with the precise timing they expect. The Company is also looking to reduce CO₂ emissions during product shipment through highly efficient logistics across the entire supply chain. 

【Statistics from FY March 2024】

・Total domestic transportation volume of approximately 480 million ton-kilometers

・Reduction of CO₂ emission per ton-kilometer by 13.0% compared with FY March 2014 levels

Environmental data (CO₂ emissions from logistics) 

In logistics, Mazda is continuing its efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions in the following three fields by carefully tracking logistics in detail in various processes on a global level. 

Japan and Overseas

Mazda is promoting shared transport with other companies to improve efficiency in domestic marine transport of completed vehicles and to reduce environmental impacts. The Company is also investigating the possibility of using alternative fuels for domestic marine transport. In regard to international marine transport, the Company seeks to ensure ships that are fully loaded to transport more vehicles. The Company also uses new more eco-friendly LNG tankers. Through these measures, the Company is reducing its CO₂ emissions. In pursuit of further decarbonization, the Company is moving forward with deliberations and investigations with a range of partners—including shipping companies, logistics companies, energy-related companies, and local public organizations—to explore the technologies, fuels, equipment, and other elements needed to achieve carbon neutrality in the medium to long term.

Japan

Mazda is striving to improve the rate of shifts toward lower-emissions modes of transportation. The Company has also been using large returnable containers, originally introduced to transport service parts overseas, for domestic transportation to improve the loading efficiency of containers used for transportation on the railways operated by the Japan Railways Group, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions from the transportation of service parts. In addition, the Company relocated production of replacement bumpers and some sheet metal parts to the Tokai region and eliminated internal transportation, instead sending these items directly overseas, without transporting them to the Hiroshima Plant first, via the Nagoya Port. 

Overseas

In 2023, Mazda relocated production of replacement bumpers previously produced in Japan to the United States, the primary market where they are used, thereby reducing transportation distances.

【Statistics from FY March 2024】

・Reduction of CO₂ emissions of approximately 115 t-CO₂ through relocation of replacement bumper production

Japan 

For trucks transporting procured parts in Japan, the Company introduced the Cloud-based Transportation/Delivery Progress Management Service for Logistics Operators* in 2016. This system has resulted in shorter delivery times during transportation, lower costs, and higher quality and has also reduced the burden on drivers, helped alleviate traffic congestion, and reduced CO₂ emissions through more efficient transportation of these items. By utilizing this system and reviewing cargo handling operations, Mazda is working to improve truck turnover rates and reduce truck waiting time at factories. 

Regarding parts for overseas assembly plants, the Company is working to expand the scope of straight logistics in which the parts are packaged at the respective domestic business partner or factory without the need for shipment between production locations and distribution centers. This straight logistics system has been expanded to cover engines, transmissions, and auto body parts for overseas plants produced at the Hiroshima Plant and the Hofu Plant. Moreover, Mazda aims to achieve carbon neutrality through ongoing efforts including expanding use of Japan Railways Group cargo transport, fully loading trailers, and investigating the viability of introducing biofuels for delivery trucks. 

Overseas

Mazda is introducing new standard containers for parts to be transported in containers from Japan to overseas assembly plants. These containers make it possible to eliminate the empty space inside the containers while also reducing the number of containers and the number of transportation truck services. The Company is also working to reduce inventories of surplus parts by shipping the parts to overseas plants at the timing they are needed. In addition, the Company is in discussions with shipping companies regarding the potential future introduction of alternative fuels with lower CO₂ emissions for use in container carriers. In ways such as these, Mazda is working to reduce CO₂ emissions. 

* The Cloud-based Transportation/Delivery Progress Management Service for Logistics Operators was developed by DOCOMO Systems, Inc.

With an eye to 2030, Mazda is moving ahead with a three-phased approach toward developing electrified products and electrification technologies to furnish flexible responses toward customer needs as well as toward the environmental regulation trends of the respective countries and regions.

During a period of transition to EVs up to around 2030, Mazda sees our multi-solution approach to be effective. The Company offers a variety of solutions, including internal combustion engines, electrification technologies and alternative fuels, so the Company can provide appropriate combinations that suit power generation conditions in each region. On the other hand, the Company expects Mazda’s EV ratio in our global sales in 2030 to be in 25 to 40%, considering each country’s electrification policies or more stringent regulations. Recently, various variable factors became apparent, such as regulatory tendencies, energy crises, and power shortages. Furthermore, it is extremely uncertain how each of these will develop in the future. As it allows us to be flexible and adaptive to coming changes, such as changes in regulations, consumer needs and acceptance levels, and infrastructure development, the following three-phase electrification approach will work for this uncertain situation. The Company will proceed with electrification step by step with the cooperation of our partner companies.

■ Phase 1 (2022–2024):

By fully using our technology assets of multiple electrification technology, the Company will launch attractive products while also meeting market regulations. The Company will enhance our earning power with the introduction of large products which is already launched, offering plug-in hybrids and diesel engines with a mild hybrid system that achieve both environmental and driving performance. In addition, the Company will develop technologies for EV in a full-fledged manner.

■ Phase 2 (2025–2027):

In order to reduce CO₂ by improving fuel economy in the phase of transition to EVs, Mazda will introduce new hybrids, further refining our multi-electrification technologies. In addition to introducing vehicles dedicated to EVs in China where electrification is advancing, the Company will also begin launching EVs globally. As for internal combustion engines, the Company will boost efficiency to the utmost in preparation of the application of technology to further improve thermal efficiency and the possibility of the future use of renewable fuels.

■ Phase 3 (2028 – 2030): 

Mazda moves forward in our efforts for the full-fledged launch of pure EV models, the Company will also consider the possibilities, including investing in battery production based on the extent of changes in the external environment and progress in strengthening our financial foundation.

Through this three-phased approach, we will move forward with electrification strategies tailored to specific regional characteristics and environmental needs in order to help address the important social issue of combatting climate change.

To realize its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and raising the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles, the Company has formulated the Building Block concept, which enables the efficient delivery of superior technologies by layering fundamental technologies atop one another in stages. Based on this concept, the Company is rolling out a multi-solution approach through efficient development and production via measures such as bundled planning and common architecture. Through the Building Block concept and advances in process innovations, such as model-based development and Monotsukuri Innovation, the Company will efficiently utilize its limited management resources to offer products and technologies that exceed customers’ expectations.

In 2023, Mazda launched the MAZDA MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, a series plug-in hybrid model that uses a rotary engine as a generator. The MX-30, introduced in 2020, was Mazda’s first mass production BEV. This model added both a mild hybrid model and new plug-in hybrid model to Mazda’s product lineup at the time. The MX-30 embodies Mazda’s multi-solution approach to achieving carbon neutrality. The MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV has an 85 km battery electric-only driving range*1 sufficient for a wide range of everyday driving needs as well as the ability to use a generator to enable long-distance drives. On top of this, the entire driving range is motor-powered. Levering the unique way in which rotary engines can produce the required output with a small power unit, the newly developed rotary engine is positioned on the same axle as a high-output motor and a generator in the motor room. Mazda then paired this compact electric power unit with a 17.8 kWh*2 lithium-ion battery and a 50 L gas tank to create a unique series plug-in hybrid model.

*1 The electric-only driving range represents the European WLTP test cycle value when EV mode is selected as the drive mode. This value is based on specific test conditions and actual electric-only driving range will vary depending on actual driving conditions. Additionally, in situations such as if the driver needs to accelerate suddenly and purposefully depresses the accelerator pedal significantly beyond a certain point (equivalent to the kickdown switch function on a standard automatic transmission vehicle), the power generation system will activate and generate the energy for the required output. 

*2 Figure is based on in-house investigation.

The Skyactiv-D large displacement 3.3-liter straight-6-cylinder diesel engine first revealed with the CX-60 features high levels of environmental performance, through superior fuel economy and clean emissions, while also delivering the joy of driving to an extent sure to thrill any driver. In addition to maintaining heat efficiency ratios of more than 40% over a wide spectrum of practical use situations, this engine delivers increased output via higher air intake through larger displacement as well as reduced NOx emissions due to greater exhaust gas recirculation. Moreover, the design reduces noise and vibration while producing a pleasing engine roar when pressing the accelerator pedal that enhances the joy of driving. 

Mazda unveiled, for the first time, the all-new Mazda EZ-6 electrified vehicle and the Mazda 創 Arata, a design electrified vehicle concept model, at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2024. The Mazda EZ-6 is the first of a series of new electrified vehicles (new energy vehicles) developed and manufactured by Changan Mazda Automobile Corporation Ltd. in cooperation with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. and Mazda. This vehicle was launched in China at the end of October 2024. In addition, the concept model Mazda 創 Arata, unveiled at the same time, is scheduled to be mass produced as the second in this series of new electrified vehicles and launched in the Chinese market by the end of 2025. In China, where electrification is rapidly advancing, Mazda will expand its lineup of electrified products to win the favor of a wider range of customers. 

Mazda is promoting the popularization of the carbon-neutral fuels used by hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to contribute to the pursuit of carbon neutrality through its products.

Mazda aims to expand the use of next-generation biofuels that boast excellent sustainability since they do not compete with food production and do not cause deforestation, unlike conventional biofuels made from food crops such as corn. Moreover, these next-generation biofuels differ from conventional biofuels, such as bioethanol and fatty acid methyl ester,* in that they are hydrocarbon fuels similar to gasoline and light oil. For this reason, the Company expects them to be able to completely replace petroleum-based fuels. 

* Fatty acid methyl ester is a fuel produced using vegetable oils and animal fats. It is widely used as a form of eco-friendly diesel oil due to its similarity to light oil. 

Participation in Research Association of Biomass Innovation for Next-Generation Automobile Fuels

In March 2023, Mazda announced that it would be joining the Research Association of Biomass Innovation for Next-Generation Automobile Fuels (raBit), an organization formed by ENEOS Corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Subaru Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The research on improving production technologies for bioethanol fuel and using CO₂ generated during bioethanol fuel production, which the raBit has been promoting as part of a range of diverse options for achieving carbon neutrality, coincides with the idea promoted by Mazda of providing more options with its multi-solution strategy. This synchronicity led Mazda to take the step of joining the association. 

Research on Microalgae

Microalgae boast a high production capacity per unit area when compared to vegetable resources, which are used to produce edible oils. With the aim of achieving mass production of next-generation biofuels, Mazda considers it necessary to promote the mass cultivation of microalgae. To this end, the Company is currently promoting research on microalgae through industry–academia–government collaboration. In 2017, the Company started a joint research course called the Next-generation Automotive Technology Joint Research Course–Algae Energy Creation Laboratory at a graduate school of Hiroshima University. Since 2021, with support from the Program on open innovation platform for industry-academia co-creation (COI NEXT) sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), we have continued research into improving algae performance using genome editing technology in collaboration with Hiroshima University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. In 2020, the Company became a member of the Institute of Microalgae Technology, Japan (IMAT), which has a site in Osakikamijima-cho in Hiroshima Prefecture, and later went on to join Microalgae Towards Sustainable & Resilient Industry (MATSURI), a consortium whose projects have been selected for support by the NEDO Green Innovation Fund, in 2022. The Company continues to work with researchers and other companies to develop industrial uses for microalgae and related technologies.

Microalgae absorb CO₂ and carry out photosynthesis, while also absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to multiply. As the nitrogen and phosphorus are also emitted from the automobile production process, Mazda carries out purification treatment at the Water Resource Recycling Center on the premises. With the aim of recycling these resources, which would otherwise be disposed of, as something of value, the Company has been using outdoor microalgae cultivation facilities since 2023 to verify the CO₂ reduction effects and wastewater purification capabilities of microalgae. Microalgae also have the property of storing abundant lipids and proteins within their cells, and in addition to next-generation biofuels, they are also expected to be used as a nutritional resource for people. The Company will continue to pursue the various possibilities of microalgae and create circular ecosystems that make the most of the warm climate and long hours of sunlight facing the Seto Inland Sea.

Verification Tests of Next-Generation Biodiesel Fuels