KARIYA, Japan – DENSO Corporation has begun testing industrial heat pump air conditioners using biodiesel fuel at its headquarters in Kariya, Aichi, Japan. Senior managing director in charge of the company's sales group, Kenji Ohya, said: "DENSO expects to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from these products by using biodiesel fuel. We aim to introduce biodiesel engine heat-pump air conditioners for industrial use by 2010."

In the test, DENSO examines the system's compatibility and durability when using biodiesel fuel, refined from cooking oil used at the company's cafeterias, to power heat-pump air conditioners. It estimates that a heat-pump air conditioner using biodiesel fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 90% compared to the company's conventional kerosene (paraffin) heat-pump air conditioner, currently marketed only in Japan.

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 the gas released into the atmosphere is considered to be close to zero. 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.

DENSO Corporation, is a global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has approximately 119,000 employees in 32 countries and regions, including Japan. More at www.globaldenso.com