Idemitsu Kosan Co. (Idemitsu), Hokkaido Electric Power Co. (HEPCO), and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (JAPEX) have teamed up to study implementing carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) opportunities in Hokkaido.

The trio are to focus attention in the Tomakomai area which has a concentration of various industries around the port, including the three companies’ business sites, with the project most likely to be developed around a ‘hub and cluster’ model.

The three companies will proceed specific investigations and examinations, mainly such as technical verifications of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting sites and capture facilities, as well as transportation pipelines and site surveys for CO2 storage, involving the cooperation of local governments and community.

Since the Japanese government announced a carbon neutrality target by 2050 last October, decarbonisation measures have gained momentum. Hokkaido prefecture actually stated a ‘Zero Carbon Hokkaido’ goal in March 2020.

To accelerate CCUS development, domestic laws for implementation are under discussion in the public and private sectors, including the ‘Study Meeting of CCS Long-Term Roadmap’ led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).