Feature:2022 Vol.17

Contents
Foreword
Leveraging Diversity to Drive Innovation
Kenji Yamaji, President / Director - General, RITE

3

FeatureTo Achieve a Low Energy Demand Society through Technological and Social Innovation
International Model Comparison Project EDITS

5

R&D Activities
Research & Coordination Group
Research of the Decarbonized Society to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

13

Systems Analysis Group
Research Activities in Systems Analysis Group20

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Development of a Biorefinery Technology that Contributes to Carbon Neutrality

31

Chemical Research Group
Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2 Capture Technologies

43

CO2 Storage Research Group
Technology Demonstration, Knowledge Sharing and Non-technical Support for Implementation
toward Commercial Deployment of Geo-logical CO2 Storage

50

Inorganic Membranes Research Center
Research and Development of Innovative Environmental and Energy Technologies
that Use Inorganic Membranes and Efforts for Practical Use and Industrialization

58

Press Releases

64

Events64

Paper, Presentation and Publication

64

Systems Analysis Group
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Chemical Research Group
CO2 Storage Research Group
Inorganic Membranes Research Center

Other Activities

64Foreword

RITE Today 2022

Leveraging Diversity to Drive Innovation
Kenji Yamaji
President / Director - General,
Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE)
I was appointed president of the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the
Earth (RITE) in June 2021 and would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts.
For over 30 years since its establishment, RITE has engaged with climate change solutions, including carbon dioxide
capture and storage (CCS), biorefinery, and scenario analyses for climate change responses. During this time,engagement with climate change has gained much momentum at home and abroad, and I am confident that RITE
has been of service to this development.
A recent major event in Japan pertaining to climate action was the government’s notification to the United Nationsin October 2021 of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. In its NDC,
Japan made the very ambitious pledge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 46% below FY2013 levels by
2030 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (COP26), not just Japan but many other countries raised their climate action targets
to keep up with the goal of staving off temperature rises exceeding 1.5°C. I feel that these developments put everhigher expectations on RITE and that RITE must meet the expectations by advancing its research further. Carbon
dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and biotechnology are seen as very promising means of achievingcarbon neutrality, and I believe they have entered a new phase toward practical application.
Research, however, must proceed one steady step at a time, and there are no shortcuts to a goal. There are
numerous different technologies for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality set by many countries, including Japan.
We must also remember the importance of electrification and decarbonization of electricity; hydrogen, CCUS, andother energy-related measures; and measures for agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries. For industries or areas
where greenhouse gas reduction is difficult, we need to also study direct air capture (DAC) technologies forrecovering CO2 from the atmosphere to set off emissions. In addition to technological solutions, social innovation
plays a significant role as well.
International developments warrant close attention. Japan’s announcement during COP26 to drive “zero-emission
thermal generation” through hydrogen and ammonia use earned the ironic Fossil of the Day Award, as did Norway
for promoting both Norwegian gas and CCS and France for announcing the construction of new nuclear powerreactors. But zero-emission thermal power, CCS, and nuclear power are all important climate change responses.
Narrowing available options by excluding specific technologies will pose a major hindrance to attaining thechallenging goal of carbon neutrality.
The fight against climate change is configured for burdens to be borne locally but benefits to be shared globally.
As such, creating situations that would allow major countries to pull out, or excluding specific technologies, will
damage international cooperation and invite the self-destruction of climate action.

3

Foreword

RITE Today 2022

Crucial to addressing climate change and other issues requiring long-term worldwide commitment is to maintaincooperation and integrity while acknowledging technological and cultural diversities. The latest innovation policies
often point out the importance of ecosystems because harnessing diversity by bringing together different sectors—
ventures and businesses, for instance, and industry and academia—is considered conducive to innovation.
RITE likewise looks forward to driving innovation in climate action by harnessing diversity.

4

Feature

RITE Today 2022

To Achieve a Low Energy Demand Society through Technologicaland Social Innovation－International Model Comparison Project EDITS－
Systems Analysis Group
Keigo Akimoto, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Miyuki Nagashima, Senior Researcher
Ayami Hayashi, Senior Researcher
Atsuko Fushimi, Senior Researcher

1. Introduction

it is conceivable that energy conservation will continue

The Paris Agreement in 2015 set a goal to hold theto be the most critical issue in reducing CN emissions.

global average temperature increase to well below 2°C

In particular, the fusion of digital transformation (DX)above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit

and green transformation (GX) can bring about a virtu-

it to 1.5°C. Then, corresponding to the 2 °C goal as anous cycle of the environment and the economy.

emission reduction, a so-called carbon neutral (net zeroThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

emission) was agreed to balance the anthropogenic(IPCC) published the 1.5 °C Special Report (SR15)1)

emission by sources and the absorption by the sink forin2018. Various emission routes that achieve 1.5 °C weregreenhouse gases in the latter half of this century. Fur-shown there, particularly the scenario2) called Low En-

thermore, while the demand for early carbon neutrality

ergy Demand (LED) drew attention. This scenario shows(CN) was increasing at home and abroad, in Octobermuch less energy than the final energy demand, as

2020, former Prime Minister Suga declared that Japan

shown by regular model analysis. The scenario is said towould aim for CN by 2050. This is a goal that is con-be possible to contribute not only to climate change

sistent with the scenario of controlling temperature

countermeasures, but also to the simultaneous achieve-rises below 1.5 °C. After that, Japan said in April

ment of SDGs.

2021that it would deepen its emission reduction target

Figure 1 shows the world energy consumption by

to a 46% reduction in 2030 and that it would take onstage of energy use. Energy is wasted, particularly closethe challenge of further reducing it by 50%. In addition,

to where it is the end-use. Energy is often consumed

the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) of theeven though it is unnecessary and does not contribute

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

to the service3). For example, lighting is a classic exam-

Change (UNFCCC) has concluded in November 2021,

ple and often illuminates even when no one is present.

countries agreeing to pursue efforts to limit the rise in

Although motion sensors have become economical inglobal average temperature to 1.5 °C.

recent years and have come to turn off automatically

To achieve CN, it is crucial to utilize a wide range ofwhen there are no people, they are still often lit in vain.

emission reduction opportunities such as renewable

We are not consuming energy for the purpose of con-energy, nuclear power, and so-called Carbon Dioxide

suming energy. As a result of an attempt to obtain aRemoval (CDR) technology, including Carbon Capture

more satisfying service, energy is consumed and CO2 is

Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Direct Air Carbon di-emitted. It is essential to determine whether the services

oxide Capture and Storage (DACCS). On the other hand,

we take for granted are indispensable and what services

5Feature

we genuinely need.

RITE Today 2022

This paper introduces the commissioned projectIn the world, research on the Decent Living Standard“Model Comparison International Collaboration Project(DLS: appropriate standard of living, minimum standard

on Changes in Energy Demand by Technological Inno-

of living) is progressing, and according to the research,vation” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry

the world's end-use energy consumption is about 400(METI). This project is known as EDITS (Energy Demand

EJ/yr. and would be about 600 EJ/yr. over the year 2050.

changes Induced by Technological and Social innova-

There are many analyzes that it would be about 400

tions) and started in 2020, intending to induce a change

EJ/yr., which is the same as the current level even within society by identifying opportunities for the realization

countermeasures for the 2 °C scenario, but some stud-of a low-energy demand society and presenting themies say that about 150 EJ/yr. from DLS is sufficient4). In-

as concrete and quantitative scenarios.

deed, the appropriate level may change since humanneeds are diverse; however, it is conceivable to be an

2. Possibility of realizing a society with low energy de-important study for understanding the factors that

mand in various sectors

cause a gap with actual energy consumption.
Noted that Reference 5) points out that the speed oftechnological progress of small-scale technology is of-

We examine the possibility of realizing a society withlow energy demand by sector.
2.1. Home appliances

ten seen on the demand side, and while there is a de-Changes in home appliances are being observed.

mand for rapid carbon neutralization, it is necessary to

Figure 2 shows that a variety of home appliances cantake measures on the demand side.

now be replaced by smartphone functions. In addition,

Factors that induce measures on the energy demand

the power consumption of smartphones is becomingside include the significant progress in digitalizationmuch smaller than that of home appliances. Even more

technology and the buds of social change, especially

important is the "embodied energy" of the product.

among young people in Europe. Under these circum-

The energy input at the manufacturing stage of a

stances, Reference 6) points out the need to strengthen

product is also greatly reduced when it is replaced byresearch on the demand side and research progress isa smartphone. Of course, not all functions can be com-

expected, with a new chapter focusing on energy de-pletely replaced, but the addition of other benefits

mand measures assigned in the sixth evaluation report(e.g., ease of mobility) will facilitate the re-placement,of the IPCC Working Group 3 scheduled to publish in

resulting in lower energy consumption and CO2 emis-

2022.

sions.

Figure 1 World energy consumption by stage of energyuse （assuming100% primary energy consumption）7)

6

Feature

RITE Today 2022

120
United States

Canada449 Watts
Power

5 Watts
2.5 Watts

72 Watts
Stand-byenergy use

Consumption per capita [kg/capita/yr]

100

EU
France80

Germany

Italy
60

Japan
China
Korea

40

India
Mexico20

BrazilWorld average075 kWh01706 kWh

0.1 kg1020
30
40
GDP per capita [thousand US$ in 2000 MER/capita/yr]

50

Figure 3 Transition in consumption of printing and writ-

Embodied energy

ing paper9)

26 kg
Weight2.3. Apparel

Figure 2 Substitution of home appliances and potential

Apparel has been pointed out as having a high envi-

for low energy use8)

ronmental impact due to its energy consumption frommanufacturing to disposal and its short life cycle. For

2.2. Paper medium
Paper has played a major role as a means of circulating information. On the other hand, paper and pulp is

example, the study10) shows that the fashion industry is
responsible for 8-10% of the global CO2 emissions (4-5billion tons per year) to the global environment.

an energy-intensive industry that requires a large en-

In addition, according to the literature11), CO2 emis-

ergy input in the manufacturing process. Figure 3 showssions from the use of clothing in European households

the transition in consumption of printing and writing(washing, drying, ironing, etc.) are estimated to be 530

paper. Recently, per capita consumption of printing andmillion tons per year. Although only rough estimateswriting paper has been on a downward trend not only

can be made, as the use of clothing and the mainte-

in developed countries but also in developing countries.

nance of the same garment (how many times it is worn)

The same trend is observed in the consumption of

depend on the choices of the individual consumer, it isnewspaper rolls. This is thought to be a result of the de-estimated that the CO2 emissions during the use phasecline in paper consumption as the IoT progresses, mak-of an average T-shirt account for half of its lifecycle

ing it relatively easy to obtain information using various

emissions. For example, when estimating the life cycle

digital devices. When digital devices first became wide-

emissions of a cotton T-shirt, if it is washed 50 times,

spread, there seemed almost no reduction in paper-

35% of the CO2 emissions are attributed to the fiber

based printing, but it appears that the combination of

production and 52% to the use stage. Although naturaladvances in devices and user familiarity is having an ef-

fibers emit less CO2 at the fabric production stage thanfect.

synthetic fibers made from petroleum, the low carbon

However, the consumption of corrugated paper con-footprint at the production stage may be offset at thetinues to show an upward trend due to the increase inuse stage because natural fibers require more energy

home delivery and other services.

for washing, drying, and ironing than synthetic fibers.

7

Feature

RITE Today 2022

Recently, apparel sales have been growing dramati-

capital such as stores, and facilities are included.） On

cally, and the reason behind this growth is the rise of

the other hand, it was estimated that roughly one-third

fast fashion. Fast fashion refers to a type of clothingof food produced for human consumption has beensales chain that emerged in the late 1990s and earlylost or wasted. The reasons vary by region, with over-

2000s and is characterized by the mass production of

production aimed at maximizing revenues and high lev-

clothing that follows the latest design trends in a shortels of waste at the consumption stage being common

cycle and sells it at low prices to encourage mass con-reasons in middle- and high-income countries14). If foodsumption. It is estimated that 50% of clothes are dis-demand can be predicted more accurately by utilizingcarded without being worn, and for many clothes, theInformation and Communication Technology (ICT),

utilization rates are low, and those are waiting in thewhich has made remarkable progress in recent years, itcloset to be worn.

is expected to not only reduce food wastage but also

The fashion industry is also promoting products thatsave plastic containers, space in supermarkets, and en-are environmentally and socially friendly. E-Commerceergy for refrigeration/freezing and transportation, lead-sales allow brand companies to avoid the energy con-ing to reduced energy consumption and GHG emissions.

sumption of maintaining physical stores and the need

It could contribute to the simultaneous achievement of

to carry inventory. However, as mentioned above, pur-the SDGs.

chasing clothes through e-commerce without trying

According to our study based on the input-output ta-

them on increases the number of unused clothes thatble for Japan15), if the food wastage in vegetable andare thrown away because the size does not fit or the

fruit cultivation, food industries, and households in Ja-

image is different. As a solution to this problem, virtual

pan could be reduced by 50%, it would contribute tofitting and automatic body shape measurement tech-

reducing total energy consumption in Japan by 0.04–

nologies are being developed.

0.08 EJ/yr. (0.2–0.4% of the primary energy supply in Ja-

In addition, the trading of used clothing through thepan) and GHG emissions by 5.9–8.4 million tons CO2

development of internet auctions is effectively the de-

eq/yr. (0.5–0.6% of GHG emissions). These figures fo-

velopment of clothing sharing, which encourages the

cused on Japan are not so large due to the relatively

matching of supply and demand, improves the utiliza-

small ratio of food wastage in Japan. However, if thetion rate of apparel products, and reduces waste.

food wastage could be reduced worldwide, including

For more information on apparel, please refer to theregions where there is much more potential for foodstudy

wastage reduction, the impacts would be significant.

.

12)

Our preliminary estimation for the world shows that if2.4. Foodthe food wastage in the world could be reduced

GHG emissions from the entire food system, includ-

through the assumed measures, the world GHG emis-

ing agricultural and fishery production, food processing,

sions would be reduced by approximately 1.1 GtCO2transportation, cooking, etc., were estimated to haveeq/yr16). The regional diversity of the food system is veryaccounted for 21-37% of total global emissions13).

high, and there is uncertainty in estimating food waste(These estimations are generally based on flows of

reduction effects; therefore, continuous scrutiny and re-

products and services; however, it is expected to be

search are necessary.

even larger if the emissions from constructing fixed8Feature

2.5. Mobility: Car and ride sharing

RITE Today 2022

terial efficiency. In addition, it is possible to manufac-

Advances in digitalization have a significant effect onture products according to individual needs rather thanmobility. A change called “Connected; Autonomous;

mass production, and there is a possibility of avoiding

Service & Shared; Electric (CASE)” is now taking place.

mass production and mass disposal.

The utilization rate of private cars is estimated to bearound 4-5%, and most of the time, private cars are un-

2.7. Behavioral transformation

derutilized. This is due to the convenience of being able

Not only technology but also individual behavioral

to travel in a private space at any time and promptly,

change and the resulting social change are also im-even at a high cost. However, if fully automated vehicles

portant. On the other hand, expecting behavioral

are realized, even if they become ride-sharing or car-change alone is unlikely to have a significant impact.

sharing, convenience will not be largely compromised,

A synergistic effect between technology and changes

and they could be available at a lower cost due toin social awareness would lead to major social changes.

higher utilization rates. Therefore, with the exception ofMovements such as ethical consumption will also en-some cars as preferences and the like, ride-sharing andcourage companies to change their behaviors, and leadcar-sharing could advance rapidly. Moreover, ride-shar-to response by society as a whole. For example, the rate

ing can directly reduce the energy consumption of ve-of driver’s license acquisition has been declining. This

hicles, and car-sharing can reduce the number of vehi-

will lead to a reduction in the purchase of private cars,cles and the use of materials such as steel and plastic,

which will motivate companies to develop fully auto-and lower the energy consumption required for theirmated vehicles.

production. RITE has also conducted quantitative analysis using an integrated assessment model17).
The OECD/ITF has developed a model based on actual data (population distribution, road and public

2.8. Rebound effectOn the other hand, there is a possibility of increased
energy demand as a rebound effect.

transport network, weekday trip demand (time of day,

According to the study19), it is estimated that theOD (Origin-Destination)), trip preferences, etc.)18). In

global data center power consumption was 194 TWh in

Dublin, Ireland, the study shows that if all private cars

2010 and increased to 205 TWh (about 1% of the global

were replaced by shared cars, the current mobility could

power consumption) in 2018. Electricity consumption is

be supplied with less than 2% of that number of vehicles.

estimated to have increased by only +6%, whereas the

If 20% of private cars were replaced (even without EVs),

calculated instance for the same period was +550%. The

CO2 emissions would be reduced by 22%.

main factors behind the increase in energy efficiency
are server efficiency, virtualization, storage drive effi-

2.6. Industries: 3D printing

ciency and densification, data center infrastructure effi-

3D printing (additive manufacturing: AM) is making

ciency, and changes in server types. On the other hand,progress. Compared to forming by making molds orthere is a possibility of the end of Moore's Law, andmodeling by cutting, AM can create complex shapes

some studies estimate a significant increase in data cen-and, in many cases, can create lighter products with theter power consumption in the future (e.g., Ref. 20).

same strength, which can lead to improvement in ma-

The rebound effect is not limited to the direct in-9Feature

RITE Today 2022

crease in electricity consumption by the IoT. For exam-

odologies across academic, energy, and environ-ple, if fully automated vehicles increase convenience,

mental disciplines, and expand them widely andthey may make people switch from trains and buses,

internationally.

triggering new travel demand itself. Furthermore, from3)

Make better policy recommendations througha macro perspective, even if consumption decreases instructured model experiments and simulations.

a particular field, it could have a rebound effect where

Notably, build and leverage models to addressenergy consumption and CO2 emissions increase due to

new areas and service supplies such as policy mak-a shift toward other consumption. In addition to theing with synergistic effects on the integration ofneed for comprehensive analysis, it is also necessary todigitalization, sharing economies, SDGs, and cli-develop comprehensive policies for the real world.

mate goals. Evaluate demand-side policy potential
impacts and barriers and others, including syner-

3. EDITS project overview

gies and trade-offs with other goals of SDGs.

Against this background and awareness of the problem, EDITS started as a commissioned project of METI
in 2020.
3.1. EDITS objectives

3.2. EDITS research group structure
The following working groups conduct researchbased on the themes to deepen the research, including

The June 2019 G20 Karuizawa Action Plan states thatthe contents introduced in Section 2. Moreover, each

"We recognize the importance of quantitative analysis

theme also plans to be integrated. The coordination of

on a better understanding future energy demand andthe entire research executes with the International Insti-

the role of innovation of both sides driven by digitaliza-

tute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) cooperation.

tion, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things【Sectoral Modeling/Analysis/ Consideration】(IoT), and the sharing economy. We encourage efforts◼ Industry Sector

to further refine and develop a full-range scenario[Primary Theme] Comparisons between industrial

across the economy for energy and climate models

sectormade by the global scientific community and interna-

poral/biophysical coverage, data availability, under-

tional institutions and frameworks."

standing of differences in methods, etc.), effects of

The EDITS project aims at the following three points.
1)

2)

Build an international research community with amodels(theoretical,

geographical/tem-material efficiency, etc.
◼ Building （Household） Sector

focus on the energy demand side. Share the latest[Primary Theme] Comparison between building sec-

data, concepts, methodologies, and policy analysis

tor models (regional differences, heterogeneity), theon the energy demand side. Through them,effect of the sharing economy and the impact ofdeepen discussions on research and policy analysis,

smart working on the commercial building sector,

and promote mutual enrichment.

etc.

Develop cutting-edge demand models for envi-◼ Transport Sector

ronmental and climate policy analysis through in-[Primary Theme] Comparison of transport sector

ternational comparisons of methodologies andmodels (activity type (passenger/cargo), location

models. In addition, develop concepts and meth-(urban/non-urban), vehicle size, mode difference,
etc.)

10

Feature【Data Collection/Organization】

RITE Today 2022with the project.

[Primary Theme] Demand-side micro data collection
and sharing【Sectoral Modeling/Analysis/ Consideration】◼

◼

◼

4. Conclusion
The road to CN realization is steep. Therefore, it isQualitative Scenario Examination/Development

necessary to mobilize all the various measures. Various[Primary Theme] Qualitative scenario construction

measures on the energy demand side induced by digi-

for low energy material demand in line with 1.5 ℃

talization can urge widespread use by reducing the bar-goals and SDGs

riers, “hidden costs.” The large-scale progress of digital-

Development of Protocol for Model Analysis Com-ization is probable to create a "virtuous cycle of envi-

parisonronment and economy," accompanied by changes in[Primary Theme] Execution of comparative analysis

the consciousness of the younger generation. In addi-

between models (model analysis comparison utiliz-

tion, it may contribute not only to climate change coun-ing the characteristics of each model)

termeasures but also to the resolution of various SDGs.

Sector Integrated Analysis
Table1 EDITS participating universities
research institutes[Primary Theme] Development of evaluation framework based on qualitative scenarios (welfare andfeasibility evaluation), etc.
Cross-sectoral themes focus on digitization, equity,
lifestyle/behavior change, business models, and theory
building.

Figure 4 EDITS Logos（From left to right,
Industry, Billing, Transportation, Data and Narrative Working Groups）

The energy demand-side spans various sectors and is

Research Institutes
International Institutefor Applied Systems
Analysis (IIASA)
OECD/ITF

Collection and analysis of transportation
sector-related information

Stanford University

Support for formulating shared scenarios forinternational model comparison

University of Tokyo, Institute for Future Initiatives

Formulation of shared scenarios for international model comparison, coordination withparticipating organizations and researchers

Lawrence Berkeley National Labs (LBNL)

Collection and provision of various datasuch as energy demand technology

Utrecht University

Collection and provision of various datasuch as energy demand technology

Euro-Mediterranean
Center on Climate
Change (CMCC)

Evaluation of the impact of digitization technology on energy, collection of related information, analysis, and estimation by international model

Tsinghua University

Collection and provision of various datasuch as model improvement and analysis in
China and related energy demand technology

UFRJ/COPPETEC

Collection and provision of various datasuch as model improvement and analysis in
Brazil and South America, and related energy demand technology

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

Collection and provision of various datasuch as model improvement and analysis ofIndia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, andrelated energy demand technology

Osaka University

Japanese consumer sector model analysis

University of Wisconsin

US-related data collection, analysis support,
impact assessment of digitization technology

University of California、Data collection and analysis support related

diverse from country to country. Therefore, as shown in
Table 1, the EDITS project is currently is being pursued
jointly by researchers with many specialized fields frommany countries and regions to carry out the above
themes. In addition, a wide range of researchers otherthan those listed in Table 1 participate and cooperate

Description
Coordination of the entire project with RITE,
formulation of shared scenarios for international model comparison, collection of related information

11

Feature

RITE Today 2022

Santa Barbara (UCSB)

to the United States

5)

C. Wilson et al., Science 368(6486) (2020)

The Korean Society of
Climate Change ResearchCollection and provision of various datasuch as model improvement and analysis related to Korea and related energy demand
technology

6)

F. Creutzig et al., Nature Climate Change 8(4) (2018)7)

Global Energy Assessment (2012)

Central European University

European consumer sector model analysis

University of Natural
Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)

Industrial sector model analysis

University of Freiburg

Model analysis of industrial sectors and related information

ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon

Cross-disciplinary analysis of technology, industry, policy, and related information

Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate
Change (MCC)

Collection and provision of various datasuch as German model improvement andanalysis, related energy demand technology

University of East Anglia(UEA)

Analysis of lifestyle changes in Europe, andrelated information

University of Groningen

Analysis of the impact of environmental behavior and contextual factors on energy
technology and acceptability

https://iiasa.ac.at/web/home/research/Flagship-Projects/Global-Energy-Assessment/Home-GEA.en.html
8)

A. Grübler et al. (2021)
https://iiasa.ac.at/web/home/research/researchPrograms/TransitionstoNewTechnologies/LED_Greenpeace_Gruebler.pdf

9)

FAO, FAOSTAT database (2021)

10) K. Niinimäki et al., Nature Reviews Earth & Environment 1 (2020)11) G. Peters et al., International carbon flows: Clothing、
Carbon Trust (2011)12) K. Kitani and K. Akimoto, The 38th Conference on En-

This EDITS project continues to provide research re-ergy, Economy, and Environment (2022), 20-5

sults that will contribute to the following IPCC report13) IPCC, Special Report on Climate Change and Landand promote measures on the energy demand side ofgovernments and companies in each country. The energy demand-side measures, which EDITS considers tobe the main target, are not to reduce energy and CO 2
directly but to indirectly reduce energy and CO2
through changing and optimizing products and services,such as the development of digitization technology.
Therefore, it is difficult to recognize directly for the government and society, and there is a possibility that the
response may delay. Because of this, the goal of thisproject is to make the complicated system understand-(2019)
14) FAO, Global food losses and food wastage: extent,causes and prevention (2011)15) A. Hayashi et al., Journal of Japan Society of Energy
and Resources (2020)16) A. Hayashi et al.、The 38th Conference on Energy,
Economy, and Environment (2022), 20-217) K. Akimoto et al., Technological Forecasting and Social Change (2022)
18) OECD/ITF, Shared Mobility Simulations for Dublin(2018)

able and quantitatively visible and disseminate it to the19) Masanet et al., Science 367(6481) (2020)

government, companies, and society.

20) M. Koot & F. Wijnhoven, Applied Energy (2021)

References
1)

IPCC, Special Report on 1.5 C (2018)

2)

A. Grübler et al. Nature Energy 3(6) (2018)

3)

K. Akimoto et al., The 37th Conference on Energy,
Economy, and Environment (2021), 15-6

4)

J. Millward-Hopkins et al., Global Environmental
Change (2020)12

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2022

Research & Coordination Group
Members (As of Dec. 2021)
Isamu Yagyu, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Yoshifumi Kawaguchi, Deputy Group Leader
Takayuki Higashii, Chief Researcher
Tetsuya Deguchi, Associate Chief Researcher
Yoshinori Aoki, Associate Chief Researcher
Kimihito Suzuki, Associate Chief Researcher
Jun-ichi Shimizu, Associate Chief Researcher
Yasuaki Minoura, Manager

Noritaka Mochizuki, Planning Manager
Sou Kuranaka, Planning Manager
Daisuke Kihara, Vice Manager, Researcher
Yuka Matsugu, Chief
Yumi Kobayashi, Researcher
Natsuko Yasumoto, Researcher
Nami Tatsumi
Michiyo Kubo
Mizuki Nagata

Research of the Decarbonized Society to Achieve Carbon Neutrality
The Research and Coordination Group aims to i)levels, while continuing strenuous efforts in its chal-searching for new research topics that enhance the re-lenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting its emission by

search potential of RITE, proposing and implementing

50%.

new research themes, ii) government support for the re-In October 2021, the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan4) has

lation with international organizations such as IPCC (In-been formulated, showing the approach to energy pol-tergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), ISO (Inter-

icy toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and pre-national Standard Organization), iii) dissemination ofsenting initiatives to ensure stable supply and reduce

RITE’s technologies and Human developmentof theenergy costs based on the major premise of ensuring

future generation iv) practical application of technology

safety, in order to solve challenges facing Japan’s en-

through industrial collaborative R&D, together with theergy supply and demand structure while taking action

research groups/center. These efforts lead to a creation

against climate change (Fig.1).

of new policy implementation, R&D and innovation

In December 2021, while realizing carbon neutrality

aiming at the global environment and the economy .

by 2050 and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

1)

In 2021, the Cabinet approved the Sixth Strategic En-

by 46% in FY 2030, Ministry of Economy, Trade and In-

ergy Plan to show the approach to energy policy toward

dustry (METI) started to discuss “the Clear Energy Strat-achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, so it is outlined ategy”5) to describe the feasible pass in not "a point" butfirst.

“a line” in addition to finding the stable, cheap energy
supply for the future. It is being formulated in about

1. Cabinet Decision on the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan

June 2022.

In October 2020, Prime Minister Suga declared theIn the Clean Energy Strategy, the agenda for discus-

goal of realizing a carbon-neutral, decarbonized societysion is securing stable, cheap energy supply for the fu-

by 2050 at the 203rd extraordinary Diet session 2). In

ture and changing energy contents of each field of de-April 2021, the Plan for global Warning Countermeas-

mand side including industry as well as the supply side.

ures3) was revised and announced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY 2030 from its FY 201313

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2022

（Source) Outline of the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan （October, 2021 Agency for Natural Resources and Energy）

Fig.1

The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan － Points of outlook for energy supply and demand in FY2030(1)2. Research Activities

country recognized the large cut of CO2 discharged by

Last year, RITE studied the CCS (Carbon dioxide Cap-

human and the importance of CCS projects to achieveture) investigation research6) entrusted by METI which

the target. In 2021, the capacity increased to the same

was the research related to the system design and busi-

level in 2011.

ness conditions for CCS industrialization, so it is outlined in the below.

2.1. The Trend of Commercial CCS projects in the world
Fig. 2 showed the trend of the facilities capacity (CO 2
possibility quantity) of the world’s commercial CCS projects published by GCCSI (Global CCS Institute)7). The
quantity increased from 2010 to 2011, but decreased
the half of 2011 in 2017.
The CCS projects need relatively big investment anda long time, so were postponed or stopped by various
reasons before the last investment decision. Since 2018,
they have increased again. It is guessed to be the influ-（Source) GCCSI，The Global Status of CCS 2021，P14，FIGURE 7 PIPELINE
OF COMMERCIAL CCS FACILITIES FROM 2010 TO SEPTEMBER 2021 BY CAPTURE CAPACITY

Fig.2 The trend of commercial CCS projects in the worldence of the Paris Agreement that took effect in 2016.
The future reduction target became clear and each14

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination Group

2.2. Introduction Barrier of CCS

RITE Today 2022

of CCS's industrialization. According to 32 main cancel-

32 CCS projects were investigated and arranged thatlation reasons, the introduction barrier of CCS was ①

stopped abroad in the past to examine the framework

Policy and Law Problem (16%), ②Economic Problem(61%) and Social Acceptability & Storage Points (16%).

（Source) METI’s research report in 2020 https://www.meti.go.jp/meti_lib/report/2020FY/000266.pdf

Fig.3 The Barrier of CCS Introduction

2.3. Framework of the Business Environment for CCS Introduction
The introduction barrier of CCS projects was ①Policy
and Law Problem, Economic Problem and Social Ac-etc.) is necessary.
②Outlook of CCS business (Correspondence of Economic Problem)：a)

The earnings structure that profit is provided inceptability & Storage Points as mentioned above. It isconsideration of additional cost and framework ofimportant to lower the business risk with the uncer-

financing (business model) is necessary.

tainty. Therefore, the business environments of CCS in-b)

Examination of Enforcement of CCS and the Clari-

troduction showed ①CCS's Significance/Licensing, ②

fication of the responsibility range of the CCS's

the Outlook of CCS Business and ③CCS business Pre-

company is necessary.

condition.

③CCS business Precondition （Correspondence Social①Significance / Licensing of CCS （Correspondence of

Reception& Storage points）：

Policy/ Law System）：

a)

a)

b)

If people don't recognize the ccs as the rational

The roadmap showing the clear policy, CCS intro-

technique for global warming measures, it may be-

duction time, CCS cost target and etc. is necessary.

come negative to give CCS public support (subsi-

The comprehensive legal system corresponding todies) and social implementation. Therefore, thethe life cycle of CCS (Survey, Injection, Manage-

frame about the social acceptability improvement

ment of Abandoned Mine, Responsibility Transfer

is necessary.

15

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination Groupb)

RITE Today 2022

The performance uncertainty of storage quantity

supporting METI through information collection / anal-

becomes the premise of the CCs introduction en-

ysis / report / advise etc.

forcement judgement. The framework to evaluate
the exploration of storage points is necessary.

The CCS projects need long lead-time. It is necessary
to early consider and build the CCS's framework to utilize the global warming measures technology.

3. Promotion of international partnership3.1. IPCC
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

Fig.4

Committee structure and RITE

has been established in 1988 with a view to conducting
a comprehensive assessment from a scientific, technical3.2. ISOand socioeconomic standpoint on climate change, im-

ISO (International Standard Organization) is an or-

pact, adaptation and mitigation measures by anthropo-

ganization composed of 167 standardization bodies ofgenic sources, jointly by the United Nations Environ-various countries that gives the common standards andment Program (UNEP) and by the World Meteorologicalpromotes global trade. It can provide safe, reliable andOrganization

scientifichigh-quality products/service to utilize ISO standards.

knowledge on global warming and makes the reports

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one ofcontributing to three WGs, Physical Science Basis (WG1),

the important options for global warming counter-

In-fluence and Adaptation (WG2), Mitigation Measures

measures because it has a great effect of reducing CO 2

(WG3).

emissions into the atmosphere. In the world, a number(WMO).

IPCC

examines

In IPCC, the experts chosen among each countryof CCS verification projects on a commercial scale are

make the report, based on the dissertation or the scien-also implemented, and international collaboration istific observation data and evaluate / examine the scien-

under way. The international standard plays an im-

tific analysis, social economic influence and counter-

portant role, contributing to the widespread use of safe

measures to control climate change. This outcome is toand appropriate CCS technology.

have a high influence on inter-national negotiations be-

RITE is a domestic deliberation organization on ISO /cause the scientific basis is also given to the policies ofTC 265 (collection, transportation, and storage of CO 2)each country.

and is in charge of a secretariat of WG 1 (collection).

RITE plays the central role of domestic support secre-

Through these activities, we are conducting interna-tariat of mitigation measures (WG 3) (Fig. 4). IPCC pub-tional standardization on design, construction, opera-

lished WG1’s report on the physical science basis in Au-

tion, environmental planning and management, risk

gust 2021 and is going to publish WG2’s report in Feb-

management, quantification, monitoring and verifica-

ruary 2022, WG3’s report in April 2022 and the inte-tion, and related activities in the CCS field through in-grated report in September 2022. RITE has also been

ternational standardization (Fig. 5).
In January, 2022, twelve standards related to the CCS

16

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2022

field have been published from ISO / TC265. The new

Energy consumption
And Global warming

WG related to CO2 transshipment is established and isgoing to start the standard consideration next year. And
Seven ones are under development including the pre-Knowledge

sent consideration.
Solar panel、
Fuel cellWorkshop

Study
Cycle

Understanding

ActionFig.6

Discussion andExchange of views for
Future energy、Global warming

RITE and environment education(Elementary, middle and high school students）<University / Postgraduate student>
Fig.5

ISO/TC265 structure

RITE is promoting collaboration of education with
universities as part of human development sup-porting

4. Human development and industry collaboration

the next research and technology. We are accepting

4.1. Human development

young talented people, mainly graduate students, to<Elementary and high school students>

the research site. Here, we are developing education at

RITE promotes extracurricular learning using research

the university and research guidance at the laboratory

facilities for elementary, junior and senior high school(Fig. 7). RITE established a university collaborative la-students. And RITE also welcomes teaching requests

boratory in the field of bioscience with Nara Institute ofwhere staff members visit schools using teaching mate-

Science and Technology. Here we are conducting re-rials and equipment. Such demands for human devel-

search and education aimed at realizing a recycling-

opment are growing year by year. For example, we

type and low-carbon society by using renewable re-picked up CCS technology from RITEʼs research and ex-

sources effectively using biomass as a raw material.

plained the global warming mechanism. We are con-Also, RITE has established a university collaborative

ducting activities based on the learning cycle such aslaboratory in the field of CO2 capture with Nara Institutedeepening understanding through discussion and ex-of Science and Technology.

change of views (Fig. 6).
But because of Novel Coronavirus, we held classes
and workshops for 54 students in 2021 (37 students in
2020, and 397 students in 2019). RITE wants to restart aclass and a workshop as soon as the situation is improved.

17

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupAs of the end of 2021, the patents during application

知識

Research
LeaderTutor

Appointment
guidance

Education

思考

Research
Trainee

RITE Today 2022

Student

Appointment

and examination are 24 domestic and 21 foreign, andthe patents owned by RITE are 98 domestic rights (11of which are licensed to companies) and 53 foreign
rights (13 of which are li-censed to companies). (Fig. 8).
As the example to licensed RITE’s Intellectual property, the GEI company (cf. refer to biotechnology group5.3) listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market
in December, 2021 which gives the license fee related

RITE（R&D）

Fig.7

University（Education）

to the amino acid to RITE.

RITE and environment education(University / Post graduate student）

4.2. Intellectual property and industry collaboration
RITE acquires and manages intellectual property
rights such as patents and know-how strategically andefficiently on results obtained in R&D.
To acquire patent rights brings up the opportunity
which RITE cooperates with industries. As a result, it ispossible to accelerate industrialization and simultane-

Fig.8

Strategic IP management and industrial

ously promote public interest and innovation as a pub-collaboration

lic research institution. Intellectual property brings up
opportunities to cooperate with industries. It is ex-

5. Conclusion

pected that a virtuous circle is created based on appro-

This year (2021) marked on the 10th anniversary ofpriate information management and contracts to create

the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at thefurther intellectual property. It is also expected that theTokyo Electric Power Company (TEP-CO)'s Fukushima

aspect of the intellectual property that enables related

Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.

technologies to be used to support standards, such as

In October, 2021, the Government of Japan decided

collaboration with international standards (such as sec-

the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, in order to solve chal-tion 3.2). Based on the market and other re-search andlenges facing Japan’s energy supply and demand struc-development trends, RITE promotes intellectual prop-

ture while taking action against cli-mate change.

erty strategically.

To realize 2050 Carbon neutrality, Japan needs to es-

RITE has established the IP management Committee

tablish and diffuse the innovative technology that isn’t

which consists of RITE’s leaders and the committee dis-realized at the present, and the RITE’s CO2 Capture tech-cusses and decides Invention certification, patent appli-

nologies are one of the most necessary technologies.

cation to domestic and foreign, request for patent ex-

But to realize 2050 Carbon neutrality is almost impossi-

amination, patent maintenance and the approval of li-

ble only by remarkable efforts. It is necessary that RITE

cense contract.

also promotes the social implementation proactively.

18

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2022

Reference
1） RITE, “The Role of RITE” (https://www.rite.or.jp/about/).
2） “Prime Minister Suga’s Policy Speech at the 203rd extraordinary Diet session(https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/99_suga/statement/2020/1026shoshinhyomei.html)
3） Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures (Cabinet
Approval on October 22, 2021)(https://www.env.go.jp/earth/onanka/keikaku/211022.html)
4） Cabinet Decision on the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan
（https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/category/others/basi
c_plan/pdf/20211022_01.pdf）
5） Clean Growth Strategy(https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/sankoshin/sangyo_gijutsu/green_transformation/pdf/001_02_00.pdf)
6） RITE’s CCS research report entrusted by METI (2020)(https://www.meti.go.jp/meti_lib/report/2020FY/000266.pdf)(https://www.meti.go.jp/meti_lib/report/2019FY/000145.pdf）
7） GCCSI，The Global Status of CCS 2021
(https://www.japanccs.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0-4-GCCSI_Jarad-Daniels.pdf)

19

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

Systems Analysis Group
Members (As of Dec. 2021)
Keigo Akimoto, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Koya Yamada, Associate Chief Researcher
Kenichi Wada, Senior Researcher
Miyuki Nagashima, Senior Researcher
Takashi Homma, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Sano, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Yamakawa, Senior Researcher
Ayami Hayashi, Senior Researcher
Atsuko Fushimi, Senior Researcher
Tsutomu Soejima, Senior Researcher
Noritaka Mochizuki, Senior Researcher (concurrent)

Joni Jupesta, Senior Researcher
Yuko Nakano, Researcher
Naoko Onishi, Researcher
Hitotsugu Masuda, Researcher
Teruhisa Ando, Researcher
Yuko Matsuoka, Researcher
Kiyomi Yamamoto, Assistant Researcher
Misako Saito, Assistant Researcher
Kiyomi Kitamura, Assistant Researcher
Sachiko Kudo, Assistant Researcher

Research Activities in Systems Analysis GroupThe Systems Analysis Group aims to provide valuablechange mitigation model, DNE21+ (Reference 1) andinformation about response measures to global warm-others) in May, 20212). This section introduces the over-ing and energy issues through systematic approaches

view of the scenario analyses.

and analyses. This article presents the analyses on 1) the
response measures for achieving carbon neutrality

1.1. Overview of caron neutrality(Section 1), and 2) the emission reduction efforts includ-The overview of primary energy supply systems toing emission reduction costs for the 2030 emission re-achieve net-zero emissions is shown in Figure 1. Achiev-

duction targets, and the impacts on whole economy

ing CN requires decarbonized energy supply basically,(Sections 2 and 3).

however, energy saving is also important, if the least
cost measures, and technological, social and economic

1. Analysis on scenarios achieving carbon neutrality by

constraints on each energy source are taken into ac-

2050

count. Social innovations including sharing and circular

Then Prime minister Suga stated that Japan seeks car-economy associated with digital transformation (DX)bon neutrality (CN) by 2050 in October, 2022. The CN

will be a key for the CN as well as energy savings of eachby 2050 will be consistent with the emission pathways

technology.

for the below 1.5 C of temperature goal. The new Stra-

On top of that, renewable energy, nuclear power, andtegic Energy Plan, the Climate Change Adaptation Plan,

fossil fuels with CO2 capture and storage (CCS) are re-and the Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement

quired as primary energy sources, in principle. In Japan,

were decided by the Cabinet of Japan in October 2021.

because all of these energy sources have cost and po-

According to the request by the Strategic Policy Com-tential constraints etc., hydrogen import from overseas

mittee of Advisory Committee in Natural Resources andwill be also an important option as a cost-efficient

Energy, which had discussed the Strategic Energy Plan,

measure. Hydrogen can be produced typically by re-

RITE provided the analyses results for several scenarios

newables (green hydrogen) and fossil fuels with CCS

for CN by 2050, using a global energy and climate(blue hydrogen). To increase more convenient uses of20

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic fuels (synthetic me-

5 disaggregated Japan’s regions and one hour timethane and liquid fuels) synthesizing with nitrogen andstep, which was developed by the University of Tokyo

carbon will play important roles.

and Institute of Energy and Economics, Japan (IEEJ). The

Considering several large uncertainties in the outlooks of technologies, social constraints, and so on, sev-

grid integration cost curves of VRE are integrated into
DNE21+.

eral scenarios should be assumed and analyzed having
consistency with total systems and costs, which enables
a mathematical model to analyze whole energy systems
quantitatively and comprehensively.

1.3. Assumed scenarios
Tables 1 and 2 show the assumed scenarios for the
CN in 2050. Here, as well as the CN of GHGs in 2050 inJapan, the globally least cost measures for the 1.5 Cgoal are also assumed (“Offset emission credits of over-【Domestic primary energy supply】
Energy saving or reductionin embodied energy of goods/services(including Society 5.0)

seas” case). In addition, “Synthetic fuel utilization” case

【Use of overseas resources】
Nuclearis analyzed.

Nuclear
Domestic renewables
Measures of grid to expand
renewables (including storage battery)

Renewable energy

DecarbonizedenergyUse of renewables surplus
for hydrogen

Table 1 Scenarios assumed for model analyses

Use of overseas renewables (green hydrogen) (importof hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels (CCU))
Use of overseas CO2 reservoir (pre-combustion CO2
capture) (import of blue hydrogen (including ammonia))

Fossil fuels w/CCS

Fossil fuels + CCS

Remainingfossil fuels

Fossil fuels
w/o CCS

Domestic CO2 storage

BECCS, DACCS

Use of overseas CO2
reservoir (postcombustion)

Forestation, mineralization (concrete CCU)

Negative emission technologies (NETs)【Use of overseas
resources】

Figure 1 Overview of achieving net-zero emissions

1.2. Overview of model
Using a global energy systems model DNE21+ (Dynamic New Earth 21 plus), the emission reduction
measures for carbon neutrality by 2050 are analyzed.
DNE21+ is a global model with consistencies across 54
countries and regions, and intertemporal years up to

GHG emission
reduction in 2050

Technology assumption(cost / performance)

Offset emission credits of overseas(The least-cost measures in the world =Equal marginal abatement costs among
nations)

Domestic emission
reductions areendogenously
determined.

Standard case

Reference case

▲100%

Assuming highshare of RE
under Standard
case
Assuming eachtechnology isfurther
accelerated or
expanded.

1. Renewable
Energy 100%
2. Renewable
EnergyInnovation
3. Nuclear Power
Utilization
4. Hydrogen
Innovation(For other thanJapan, ▲100% foreach westerncountry, and▲100% for theothers as a whole)(Note: It is premised that RE is
diffused due to suspected
inertial force in high share RE
scenario.)

Acceleration of RE cost
reduction
Expansion of nuclear power
deployment
Acceleration of hydrogen cost
reduction

5. CCS Utilization

Expansion of CO2 storage
potential

6. Synthetic fuelUtilization

Acceleration of RE cost red. +Constraints of CO2 intern’ltransportation

7. Demand
Transformation

Expansion of car-/ride-sharing

2100. In the model, global warming response measures
for approximately 500 specific technologies can beevaluated in detail; energy supply technologies, such as
electricity and hydrogen-based energies, CO2 capture,utilization and storage (CCUS), and energy demandside technologies in iron and steel, cement, paper andpulp, chemical, aluminum, transport, and some appliances of building sector are modeled with bottom-up
treatments.
For analyzing large deployments of variable renewable energy (VRE) in Japan, the grid integration costs of
VRE are estimated using a power systems model having

21

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

Table 2 Scenarios regarding technology assumptions
Scenario

Cost ofrenewable energy

Ratio ofnuclearpower

Cost of hydrogen

CCUS(Storage potential)

1400

Fully autonomous
driving(car- & ride-sharing)

DACCS
Non-CO2 GHG

1200

Process CO2

Offset emission credits of overseas(The least-cost measures in the world =Equal marginal abatement costs among
nations)

GHG Emission [MtCO2eq/yr]

Standard cost

Max. 10%
6. Synthetic
Fuel Utilization

Pulp & Paper
CementIron & Steel
7. Demand Transformation

6. Synthetic fuel Utilization

Standard assumption:
no fully autonomouscars

5. CCUS Utilization-400

Offset emission credit areused in the case of offset
emission credits ofoverseas.
Residual GHG emissions
are offset by NETs optionsin the other cases.

2050

Figure 2 GHG emissions in Japan for CN by 2050

Domestic: max. 91Mt,
Overseas: 0Mt

Low cost

Standard
cost

Chemical2015

Standard cost

7. Demand
Transformation

Other industry-200

Domestic：max.
273 MtCO2/yr;
Overseas：max.
282 MtCO2/yr

5. CCS
Utilization

Road transportation

0

Hydrogen production
such as waterelectrolysis,hydrogenliquefaction facility
cost: halved

Standard
cost

Domestic aviation

200

4. Hydrogen Innovation

4. Hydrogen
Innovation

Max. 20%

Other domestic transportation

3. Nuclear Power Utilization

3. Nuclear
Power
Utilization*2

Domestic storage:
max. 91 MtCO2/yr;
Overseastransportation：
max. 235 MtCO2/yr

Max. 10%

Residential & Commercial

2. RE Innovation

Low cost

Power generation

400

1. RE100

2. Renewable
EnergyInnovation

0%

Other energy conversion▲63% relative
to 2013600

Reference Case

1. Renewable
Energy 100%

LULUCF CO2

800

Offset emission credits
of overseas

Assuming eachtechnology isfurther
accelerated or
expanded.

Max. 10%
Standard
cost

Reference Case
Assuming highshare of RE
under standard
case

1000

Domestic: max.
91 MtCO2/yr;
Overseas：max. 235 MtCO2/yr

Realization and diffusionof fully autonomous
driving and expansion ofcar- & ride-sharing after
2030, and decrease inmaterial production due
to reduction of thenumber of automobiles

Figures 3, 4 and 5 show primary energy supply, electricity generation, and final energy consumption in Japan, respectively.

1.4. Results

As seen in Figure 3, energy savings are important for

The GHG emissions in Japan are shown in Figure 2.

all of the scenarios, and approximately 25% of primary

Under the globally least cost measure for the 1.5 C sce-energy savings can be observed. Renewable energy,

nario, the 2050 emissions in Japan are estimated to be

CCS, and nuclear power will play important roles for the-63% compared to 2013. This is because there are larger

CN. The maximum constraints are assumed for the de-potentials with smaller costs of CO2 removal technolo-

ployments of CCS and nuclear power, and the maximum

gies (CDR) (or negative emission technologies: NETs) in

deployments of both two will be the cost-efficient

the world than in Japan. Particularly the regions andmeasures for the CN in Japan (only except for CCS

countries where large potentials of bioenergy, VREs,

transport to overseas in the CCUS utilization case). Alt-and CO2 geological storage exist could serve the oppor-hough the cost reductions of VREs are assumed, thetunities of CDR such as bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) andcosts also increase as larger deployments of VRE, anddirect air CO2 capture and storage (DACCS) cost-effi-wide ranges of costs are estimated for VREs accordingly.

ciently.

Thus, according to the estimations under the least cost

While recognizing the emissions reduction opportu-

of whole energy systems, combinations of deployments

nities in overseas, the domestic emission reductionof several emissions reduction measures including

measures should be considered. Even for achieving the

DACCS and imports of hydrogen, ammonia and syn-CN within Japan, DACCS will be an important measure.

thetic fuels can be estimated.

However, if CO2 storage potentials including the oppor-

As contrasted with primary energy, electricity gener-tunities of transport of CO2 to overseas are limited, theations increase compared to the current levels in almost

contributions of DACCS are reduced and the roles of

all the scenarios. Electrification is an important option

synthetic fuels (synthetic methane and synthetic liquid

for the CN. However, only in the RE100% case, electrifi-

fuels) will increase. Meanwhile, there are no feasible so-

cation cannot be observed due to considerable increaselutions for the 2050 CN in Japan for any assumed sce-of electricity including the grid integration costs of VREs.

narios under the socioeconomic and other assumptions

Balanced electricity mix will be a key even for the CN.

without DACCS.

22

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis Group

Primary energy supply [Mtoe/yr]

450

Gas: non-energy use

400

Oil: non-energy use

350

Imported hydrogen andammonia
Imported biofuel

300

Solar thermal
Solar PV

250

Wind power

200

Nuclear power
150

Hydro and Geothermal
Biomass w/ CCUS

100

Biomass w/o CCUS

50

Synthetic methane2015

Gas w/ CCUS

7. Demand Transformation

6. Synthetic Fuel Utilization

5. CCUS Utilization

4. Hydrogen Innovation

3. Nuclear Power Utilization

2. RE Innovation

1. RE100

Reference Case

Offset emission credits
of overseas

0

RITE Today 2022

estimated to be 168 $/tCO2 in the globally least costmeasure case for the 1.5 C scenario (“Offset emission
credits of overseas” case). On the other hand, the costis estimated to be much larger and 525 $/tCO2 in the
Reference case which assumes to achieve the CN do-

Gas w/o CCUS
Synthetic oil
Oil w/o CCUS

mestically. The costs can be reduced if several techno-

Coal w/ CCUS
Coal w/o CCUS

logical and social innovations are achieved, and it is

All are offset with CDR
in ▲100% scenarios

necessary to seek the opportunities to induce innova-

2050

Note 1) Conversion rates of primary energies correspond to IEA statistics.
Renewable energies except biomass : 1 TWh = 0.086 Mtoe, nuclear : 1TWh = 0.086 / 0.33 Mtoe
Note 2) Fossil fuels without CCS are offset with NETs, thus serving as carbon-neutral fossil fuels.

Figure 3 Primary energy supply in Japan for CN by 2050

tions.

1600

1.5. Implications from scenario analyses

Solar PV w/o gridWind power w/o gridElectricity generation [TWh/yr]

1400

Gas and hydrogen /Coal and ammonia
Hydrogen and annmonia

1200

DACCS will be able to play an important role under

Solar thermal

1000

Solar PV
Wind power (offshore)800

the CN as a back-stop technology. For achieving the CN

Wind power (onshore)
Nuclear power

600

Hydro and Geothermal

400

internally, domestic DACCS will be also a cost-effective

Coal and Biomass w/ CCUS
Biomass w/ CCUS

200

Coal and Biomass w/o CCUS

option. For achieving the CN in the world, it will be more

Biomass w/o CCUS2015

7. Demand Transformation

6. Synthetic fuel Utilization

5. CCUS Utilization

4. Hydrogen Innovation

3. Nuclear Power Utilization

2. RE Innovation

1. RE100

Offset emission credits
of overseas

Reference Case0

Gas w/ CCUS
Gas CGS

cost-effective to deploy DACCS using affordable VREs

Gas w/o CCUS

Oil w/ CCUS
Oil w/o CCUS
Coal w/ CCUS
Coal w/o CCUS

2050

Figure 4 Electricity generation in Japan for CN by 2050

and CO2 storage potentials outside of Japan and offset
the residue emissions of Japan through the emission
credits. Since it is unclear that such options can work or
not, the hedging strategy having several potential

350

Gaseous fuel: natural gas(non-energy use)
Liquid fuel: oil(non-energy use)

300

Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

Electricity
250

Gaseous fuel: hydrogen
Gaseous fuel: syn. Methane

200

Gaseous fuel: natural gas
150

measures will be required. Hydrogen, ammonia, andsynthetic fuels (synthetic methane and synthetic liquid
fuels) are expensive options as well as DACCS, however,

Liquid fuel: biofuel
Liqud fuel: syn. oil

100
Liqud fuel: oil

all of them can be the cost-effective options for the CN

Solid fuel: biomass

50

Solid fuel: coal2015

7. Demand Transformation

6. Synthetic fuel Utilization

5. CCUS Utilization

4. Hydrogen Innovation

3. Nuclear Power Utilization

2. RE Innovation

1. RE100

Reference Case

Offset emission credits
of overseas

0

All are offset with NETs
in ▲100% scenarios

2050

in Japan. The use of overseas resources should be also
considered as the costs of VREs and CCU in Japan arehigh compared with those in some other countries.

Figure 5 Final energy consumption in Japan for CN by

While VREs are highly important also in Japan, the grid

2050

integration costs as well as VREs are expected to increase according to large deployments of VREs. It is im-

In Figure 5, it can be observed that electrification in

portant to consider the whole energy systems including

final energy is important, and hydrogen particularly for

combinations of energy supply sources and energy de-industry sector, synthetic liquid fuels for transport sec-

mand-side measures as well as seeking the affordable

tor, and synthetic methane for building and a part ofemission reduction opportunities overseas.

industry sectors will be cost-efficient for the CN in Japan.

All options should be pursued in order to achieve the

Meanwhile, considerable uses of natural gas will remain

CN as early as possible, as stated in the Sixth Strategic

thanks to the emission offsets through DACCS.

Energy Plan decided in October, 2021.

CO2 marginal abatement cost (carbon price) is23

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

2. Evaluations on emission reduction efforts of thealso assessed the interrelationship between the ex-

NDCs

pected global emissions under NDCs and the long-term

2.1. Introduction

emission pathways for the 2 C and 1.5 C targets men-

Under the Paris Agreement adopted at COP21 in2015, all countries pledge nationally determined contri-

tioned in the Paris Agreement, using the model (Reference 5)).

butions (NDCs) for emission reduction targets after2020 to the United Nations, and they are reviewed

2.2. NDCs of major countries(Pledge and review). In 2015, the Systems Analysis

Table 3 shows emissions reduction targets of thegroup analyzed the emission reduction targets of the

NDCs of major countries. Developed countries such as

Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)

Japan, the United States, EU, and the United Kingdom

submitted before the adoption of the Paris Agreement

have deepened their emissions reduction targets frombased on various indicators (Reference 3), 4)).

those in the 2015 INDCs. However, since the base year

By around the time of the leaders’ summit on climate

for the reduction targets differs among countries, thein April 2021, the emission reduction targets of NDCs

emission reduction rates provided by each country

had been raised, especially in developed countries. Ja-should not be compared directly for measuring emis-

pan deepened its emission reduction target, which wassions reduction efforts. In addition, China and India

revised from the previous target of -26% (compared toserve CO2 intensity targets, and some countries serve2013) in 2030, to -46%. Furthermore, Japan has de-the targets of emissions reduction from their BAU emis-

clared to tackle to achieve -50% as a further ambitious

sions. To compare the emissions reduction rates based

goal. The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan was formulated,on the unified base year, it is necessary to convert theincluding the energy mix of Japan in response to its

reduction rates which differ among the NDCs of coun-emission reduction target, and the plan for global

tries to those unified in the specific base year. Figure 6

warming countermeasures was revised (decided by theshows the unified rates of emissions reductions com-

Cabinet in October 2021). On the other hand, China, In-

pared to 2013, which is the base year of Japan’s NDC.

dia, and Russia have not deepened their emissions re-Here, emissions in 2030 are calculated based on the his-

duction targets. However, as China has the NDC target

torical records, the submitted emissions reduction tar-of CO2 intensity of GDP and the outlook of GDP growthgets, and the future GDP growth scenario for the coun-is lower than that estimated in 2015, the actual efforts

tries having intensity targets. Compared to 2013, the UK

on emissions reduction could be more ambitious thanhas the lowest emissions among the major countries,

the expected efforts estimated in 2015.

followed by Switzerland and New Zealand. As discussed

Therefore, under the latest socioeconomic conditions

in Reference 3), the future population and economic

including the impact of COVID-19 and their effects onoutlooks vary across countries, and emissions reduction

baseline emissions, the emissions reduction efforts ofrates from the base year are estimated to be small in

the latest NDCs were evaluated by employing multiple

developing countries, whose economic growth rates areindicators. The emissions reduction costs were esti-

higher than in developed countries. Thus, even if themated using a global assessment model for energy andemissions reduction rates compared to the base year ofclimate change, namely DNE21+ model, which has beendeveloping countries are smaller than those of devel-

developed by the Systems Analysis Group. This study

oped countries, it should not be necessarily evaluated24

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

that emissions reduction efforts are insufficient. Even

2.3. Evaluations on emission reduction efforts of thefor the comparisons of NDCs among developed coun-

NDCs using a global assessment model for energy andtries, the emissions reduction rate compared to theclimate changebase year will not be an appropriate indicator for meas-

Figures 7 and 8 show international comparisons ofuring emission reduction efforts, because the histori-

CO2 marginal abatement costs and emissions reduction

cally cumulative efforts for emissions reduction differ

costs per GDP, respectively. For Japan, the achieve-

across countries.

ments of the power generation mix suggested in the
Sixth Strategic Energy Plan (renewable energy: 38%, hy-

Table 3Emission reduction targets of major countries

Submitted emission reduction targets

drogen/ammonia: 1%, nuclear power: 20%, LNG: 20%,
coal: 19%, Oil: 2%) are assumed.

in 2030 of NDCs

While the revised outlooks of production activities ofJapan-46% compared to 2013

several industries and transportation service demands

United-50% to -52%

Statescompared to 2005

were smaller than the previous ones including the im-

EU27-55% compared to 1990

United-68% compared to 1990

pacts of COVID-19, many developed countries deepened their emission reduction targets as mentioned
above. As a result, the estimated CO2 marginal abate-

Kingdomment costs and emissions reduction costs per GDP in

Russia-30% compared to 1990

China

-65% of CO2/GDP compared to 2005

many countries are higher than the previous estimates

India-33% to -35% of GHG/GDP compared(Reference 4)). The CO2 marginal abatement costs into 2005

New Zealand are very high (546 $/tCO2). Although theshare of methane emissions in GHGs is high in New

United Kingdom
Switzerland
New ZealandJapan
United Sates
EU27+UK
NorwayCanadaSouth Africa
South Korea
UkraineAustralia
MexicoThailandKazakhstan
China
RussiaBelarus
India

Zealand, the reduction potentials are limited according

-54.6
-49.4
-49.0
-46.0
-45.6
-40.8
-40.6
-40.4
-33.3

to the estimations by the US EPA, which are based on
this study for the assessments of non-CO2 GHG emission reduction measures. Therefore, significant emis--23.7

sion reductions of energy-related CO2 are needed, and

-23.0
-18.4
-0.4

the estimated marginal abatement costs rise consider-

7.0
8.6
14.1

ably. If the emission reduction target of New Zealand is

51.8
62.7

99.2
100

80

evaluated only for CO2 emissions, the CO2 marginal
60

40

20

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

Emission reduction rate compared to 2013 [%]abatement costs are estimated to be 406 $/tCO2, which

Figure 6 International comparison of emission reduction

those costs are close to those of the United States andrate from the base year of 2005 for the NDCs

Canada. In particular, the estimations for land-use CO2
and non-CO2 GHG emission reduction costs are not

We also estimated emissions per capita, emissions

easy, and careful treatments will be necessary.

per GDP, and emission reduction rate compared to BAU

Although China did not change the emission reduc-when the emission targets of NDCs are achieved. Emis-tion target, allowable emissions are smaller than that insions under BAU were estimated using the DNE21+

the previous estimation, because China has a CO2 inten-

model.

sity target, and the outlook of GDP growth was changed25

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

downward. Then, the estimated CO2 marginal abatement costs are higher than the previous estimates.

Figure 9 shows the global GHG emissions outlook under baseline up to 2050 (zero marginal abatement sce-

The emissions reduction costs per GDP include thenario), and the emissions in 2030 under the NDCs, as

impacts of net cost increase due to the decrease in ex-

well as the emission pathways under 2 C (>66%) andport for fossil fuel exporting countries, and large in-

1.5 C (>66%).

creases in the costs can be observed in such countries
like Russia.

The estimated global GHG emissions in 2030 under
the NDCs are about 50 GtCO2/yr, which are consistent
with those estimated by UNEP. The UNEP report em-

New ZealandJapan
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
CanadaNorwayEU27South Korea
ThailandAustralia
Malaysia + Singapore
South Africa
Kazakhstan
MexicoChina
RussiaBelarus
UkraineIndia

phasizes the gap between the expected global emis-

546

500

sions in 2030 under the NDCs and the long-term emis-

474
470

sion pathways for the 2 C and 1.5 C goals of the Paris

427
394
376
306

Agreement. However, according to the cost-efficient

213
153

emission pathways under the carbon budget con-

83
79
71

straints, the expected emissions in 2030 under the

69
66
53

NDCs could be consistent with the emission level to

21
0
0
0

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

CO2 marginal abatement cost [$/tCO2]

meet the 2 C or 1.5 C goal, if a certain degree of temperature overshoot is allowed through the deployments

Figure 7 International comparison of CO2 marginalof CDR such as DACCS. The emissions could be in line

abatement costs for the NDCs

with cost-effective emission pathways if large deployments of CDR are feasible.
4.9

3.5
3.2

80

3.1

Emission outlook underbaseline by RITE (CO2
marginal abatement cost
zero)

2.0

70

1.9
1.6
1.6

NDCs assumed to be
implemented by RITE

60

1.4
1.4

GHG emission [GtCO2eq/yr]

New ZealandRussiaThailandKazakhstan
South Africa
CanadaSouth Korea
NorwayUnited StatesJapan
Malaysia + Singapore
United Kingdom
EU27
Switzerland
China
Australia
Belarus
MexicoIndia
Ukraine

1.4
1.2
0.8
0.8
0.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

50

2℃(>66%), Carbon
budget after 2020: 1150
GtCO2

40
1.5℃(>66%), Carbon
budget after 2020: 400
GtCO2

30

Emissions Gap Report
2021: NDCs
(Conditioned)

20

0.0

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Emissions Gap Report
2021: 1.5℃ (Median)

10

Emission reduction cost per GDP [%]Figure 8 International comparison of emission reduction
costs per GDP for the NDCs

0
2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

Figure 9 Expected global GHG emissions of the aggregated NDCs

2.4. Interrelationship between the expected global

2.5. Suggestions from NDCs emission reduction effort

emissions in 2030 under NDCs and the long-term emis-

evaluation

sion pathways for the 2 C and 1.5 C goals of the Paris
Agreement

The Paris Agreement employs a “pledge and review”
type framework. Even recognizing the differences in26

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

capabilities across countries, it is important to seek theon “Economic and Fiscal Projections for Medium toequitable efforts, in order to maintain the Paris frame-Long Term Analysis” published by the Cabinet Office ofwork and to achieve effective global emissions reduc-Government of Japan in July 2021, considering COVID-

tions. Our analysis suggests that the emissions reduc-19 impacts partially. We assumed the CO2 emissions intion efforts even under the latest NDCs might still be2020 with zero carbon price and considered the COVID-

huge differences among the countries, and continuous

19 influences through the GDP assumptions.

reviews for the NDCs will be required.

The energy mix of the power sector in Japan in thebaseline is assumed to be constant with that in 2019.

3. Analysis on economic impacts of Japanese NDCs in

The composition of the energy mix under the 46% re-2030

duction target in 2030 is assumed to be 19% for coal

3.1. Introduction

power, 20% for LNG power, and 2% for oil power; 16%

This section focuses on the economic impacts of thefor PV, 15% for wind (with 10 GW for offshore), 12% foremissions reduction targets in 2030. Using a global en-hydro and geothermal, and 20% for nuclear power. The

ergy-economic model, we evaluated the economic im-

costs in the power sector were reflected based on thepacts of the latest Japanese target of 46% emission re-Power Generation Costs Analysis Working Group9). The

duction (compared to 2013) along with the energy mix

unit costs of new power generation were assumedof the latest (Sixth) Strategic Energy Plan for 2030 (Ref-based on the lists of each power source, assuming an

erence 7)). We compared the impacts of the -46% target

annual discount rate of 5%. The integration costs re-with those of the previous target of -26% based on thelated to VRE were also based on the “estimation without

previous (Fifth) Strategic Energy Plan.

considering power source location and grid constraints”(Reference 9)). The NDCs targets of the U.S and EU in

3.2. Methodology
The global energy-economic model, DEARS, which isused for this analysis, has a structure of dividing the2030 were assumed to be 50% reduction (compared to2005) and 55% reduction (compared to 1990), respectively.

world into 18 regions and integrating a top-down economic module and a bottom-up energy system module.

3.3. Results

The model is formulated as having an objective function

Figure 10 shows the GDP changes for the 26% andof discounted global consumption utilities. The eco-

46% reduction targets, respectively, to compare thenomic module has a computational general equilibrium

macro-economic impacts between the previous andmodeling structure with an international input-output

new targets. The estimated GDP change for the 46% tar-

table based on the database of GTAP (global trade anal-

get in 2030 is relatively large at 4.2% decrease (relative

ysis project, Reference 8)) ver.9, representing industrial

to the baseline) while at 0.5% decrease in the 26% tar-and trade structures by region and by sector. The en-get. The carbon prices required for the 26% and 46%

ergy system module represents simplified energy sys-

reduction targets are estimated at 105 and 534 $/tCO 2,

tem flows explicitly and can deal with the constraints ofrespectively. In the 46% reduction case, although there

the energy mix.

is a positive effect of increased investment in low-car-

We assumed the baseline GDP (with average annual

bon energy, the GDP is estimated to decline due to de-

growth rate of 1.4%/year for 2010-2030 in Japan) basedcreases in net exports and consumption. The net export

27

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

decreases represent worsening international competi-

teriorating relative prices. The consumption decreases
result from price increases of goods and services causedby extension of energy price increases for the reduction
target.

Production Changes(relative to the baseline)

tive conditions, mainly in the manufacturing sector, de-

0%
-2%
-4%

0.0%
-1.2%

-0.7% -0.5%-2.7% -2.8%
-3.5%

-3.7%

-3.0%
-4.2%

-6%
-6.6%

-8%
-10%

-12%

26% Emission Reduction+Renewable:24%, Nuclear:
20%, Fossil-fuel:56%< Previous NDC , and the
5th Strategic Energy Plan >46% Emission Reduction+Renewable:38%, Nuclear:
20%, Fossil-fuel: 41%< Current NDC, and the 6thStrategic Energy Plan >-11.7%-14%-14.0%

650

659
−25

640
630

634

Risk on nuclear sharesfrom 20% to 15%:
−6 Trillion Yen

GDP

Service

Machinery

Paper & pulp

−3

Non-Metallic Minerals

662

Iron & Steel

660

Chemical

-16%

670

Figure 11 Changes in sectoral production （Japan, 2030）

610

bills for the 26% and 46% reduction targets. The “effects

600

of carbon price” in the figure stand for price impacts

46% Emission Reduction+Renewable:38%, Nuclear: 20%,
Fossil-fuel: 41%< Current NDC, and the 6thStrategic Energy Plan >Figure 12 shows the potential changes in electricity

26% Emission Reduction+Renewable:24%, Nuclear: 20%,
Fossil-fuel:56%< Previous NDC , and the 5thStrategic Energy Plan >620

Baseline:
Economic Growth Achieved Case
(Energy mix: constant sharesin 2019)

GDP (Trillion Yen)

0.0%

Figure 10 Real GDP in Japan（2030）

due to the penalty against the fossil-fuel power plants
to carbon prices required for the reduction targets under implementations of the energy mix. The electricity
expenditure in the 46% reduction target is estimatedlarger than that in the 26% target. It results from cost
increases by carbon prices in the 46% target rather thanthe energy mix.

The GDP loss and CO2 marginal abatement cost (car-mation assumed the higher baseline GDP at about+0.2%/year of annual growth rate for 2010-2030 than
this analysis and the higher cost of renewable energy
generation.
Figure 11 shows sectoral production changes for the
26% and 46% reduction targets. The productionchanges in the energy-intensive and trade-exposed
sectors such as iron & steel and chemical have adverse
impacts at about 12-14% decreases (relative to thebaseline), more significant than GDP changes corresponding to the sectoral average.

+60%

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%

Effects ofcarbon prices

49%

+17%
13%

4%

0%

11%

Effects of onlychanges inenergy mix

46% Emission Reduction+Renewable:38%, Nuclear: 20%,
Fossil-fuel: 41%< Current NDC, and the 6thStrategic Energy Plan >26% reduction target. This is because the previous esti-

70%

26% Emission Reduction+Renewable:24%, Nuclear: 20%,
Fossil-fuel:56%< Previous NDC , and the 5thStrategic Energy Plan >previous estimates (Reference 10)) even in the same

Household Energy Bill (relative to the baseline)

bon price) estimated in this study are smaller than the

Figure 12 Impacts of household electricity bill （Japan,
2030）

28

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

Figure 13 shows the GDP losses with sensitivity anal-

consumption due to rising prices of goods and services.

ysis to the emissions reduction levels with shares of re-In the manufacturing sector, which is energy-intensive

newable and fossil fuels in the power generation. The

and vulnerable to international competition, such as the

GDP losses increase substantially when the emission re-steel and chemical industries, the decline in output isduction level changes from 35% to 46%. The result in-

expected to be considerably more significant than the

dicates that in the stringent targets, the potentials for

GDP loss. In the household sector, the results also indi-

mitigation measures on the energy supply side be-cate the possibility of a substantial increase in house-

comes smaller, and the need to respond to measures

hold electricity and energy bills.

on the demand side, including the decreases in production activities, becomes larger.

In this analysis, the solutions after achieving equilibrium are presented by the CGE (computation general

GDP changes(%,relative to the baseline)

equilibrium)-typed model. It should be noted that in the0%-1%−2 Trillion Yen−3 Trillion Yen

real transition processes, the adverse effects may be−4 Trillion Yen−3 Trillion Yen−5Trillion Yen−12 Trillion Yen

-2%
-3%

-4%

−28 Trillion Yen-5%With reduction
constraints(Effects of bothchanges in energy
mix and carbon
prices)50

46% 50%
45

40

35%
35

26%

30

−34
Trillion Yen

25

-6%

Without reduction
constraints(Effects of onlychanges in energymix (with zerocarbon price))more severe in specific industries. In addition, since thedifference in national/regional carbon prices required
for achieving the NDCs is estimated to be extremely
large (see the previous section), the impacts based on
price elasticities will possibly work discontinuously in
specific industries. The sufficient care for such industries
should be taken in interpreting the results.

Emission Reduction Levels (%, relative to 2013)

The international political and business environment,

Figure 13 GDP impacts of emission reduction levels andincluding the finance side, strongly encourages theshares of renewables/fossil-fuelscommitment to more ambitious and stringent emission

Note: In all the cases, share of 20% for nuclear power

reduction targets, making it essential to strengthen ef-

was assumed. The energy mix for 35% and 50% reduc-forts to address climate change. On the other hand, thetion levels were assumed to be interpolated and extrap-

46% reduction target potentially has the risk of signifi-

olated using shares of the Fifth and Sixth Strategic En-

cant adverse impacts on the economy. This result indi-

ergy Plans, respectively.

cates the importance of promoting appropriate transitions with inducing social and technological innovations.

3.4. Summary of economic impact analysis on the NDCs
The Japanese government raised the emissions reduction target for 2030 to 46% in response to calls for

Referencestronger actions for climate change mitigation both do-1） K. Akimoto et al., Climate change mitigation measuresmestically and internationally. The estimated impact isfor global net-zero emissions and the roles of CO2

about 4% GDP loss (relative to the baseline). Although

capture and utilization and direct air capture, Energy

investments for low-carbon energy increase, adverse

and Climate Change (2021)

consequences of trade and consumption are significant,2） K. Akimoto, F. Sano，Strategic Policy Committee ofresulting in decreases in net exports due to worsening

Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and En-

competitive conditions and decreases in household

ergy (13th May 2021)

29

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2022

https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/committee/council/basic_policy_subcommittee/2021/043/043_005.pdf (in Japanese)
3） F. Sano, et al., Evaluations on the Japan’s Greenhouse
Gas Emission Reduction Target for 2030, Journal of Japan Society of Energy and Resources, 37(1), 2016
4） RITE Systems Analysis Group, Evaluations on Emission Reduction Efforts of the INDCs and the Expected
Global Emissions, https://www.rite.or.jp/system/latestanalysis/pdf/E-GlobalCO2Emission_INDCs_20151111.pdf
5） F. Sano et al., An Evaluation of NDCs and Carbon Neutrality in 2050 by Using a Global Assessment Model for
Energy and Climate Change, The 38th Conference on
Energy, Economy, and Environment, 2022
6） UNEP, Emission Gap Report 2021
7） T. Homma et al., Economic Analysis on NDCs and Energy Mix of Japan for 2030 Using a Global Energy-economic Model, The 38 Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, 2022 (in Japanese)
8） Global

Trade

Analysis

Project(GTAP),

https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/
9） Agency for Natural Resources and Energy，Report of

the Power Generation Costs Analysis Working
Group, September 2021 (in Japanese)10） T. Homma et al., Analysis of International Competitiveness under the Current Climate and Energy Policies
and the Nationally Determined Contributions, Journalof Japan Society of Energy and Resources, Vol. 41, No.
5, 2020 (in Japanese)30

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2022

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Members (As of Dec. 2021)
Masayuki Inui, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Haruhiko Teramoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Kazumi Hiraga, Associate Chief Researcher
Hajime Terasaki, Associate Chief Researcher
Masato Miyamoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Yuya Tanaka, Senior Researcher
Masako Suda, Senior Researcher
Yukihiro Kitade, Senior Researcher
Koichi Toyoda, Senior Researcher
Naoto Kato, Senior Researcher
Satoshi Hasegawa, Senior Researcher
Akira Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Takahisa Kogure, Senior Researcher
Takeshi Kubota, Senior Researcher
Shinichi Oide, Senior Researcher
Kiyoshi Oi, Senior Researcher
Tetsu Shimizu, Researcher
Akiyoshi Higo, Researcher
Natalia Maria Theresia, Researcher
Norimasa Kashiwagi, Researcher

Jyumpei Kobayashi, Researcher
Ryoma Hashimoto, Researcher
Naoki Saruya, Researcher
Yuki Nozaki, Researcher
Dyah Candra Hapsari Subagyo, Researcher
Junko Watanabe, Assistant Researcher
Yuko Ikenaga, Assistant Researcher
Shoko Minakuchi, Assistant Researcher
Miyuki Nagamori, Assistant Researcher
Kae Naito, Assistant Researcher
Noriko Ikeda, Assistant Researcher
Kazuyo Yoneda, Assistant Researcher
Mayu Koizumi, Assistant Researcher
Junko Nishi, Assistant Researcher
Kayoko Mori, Assistant Researcher
Motomi Iwashima, Assistant Researcher
Kayo Yoshida, Assistant Researcher
Aya Okada, Assistant Researcher
Kimiyo Kishi, Assistant Researcher

Development of a Biorefinery Technology that Contributes to Carbon
Neutrality
1. Introduction
In October 2020, the Japanese government declared“2050 carbon neutral.” Therefore, the government willalternative aircraft fuels using microalgae and carbonrecycled chemicals. Biomass resources, CO2, waste plastics, and waste rubber are used as raw materials.

reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 and

Biotechnological fields, such as synthetic biology

virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The

and genome editing technology, have rapidly and re-aim was to attain a carbon-free society in 2050.

cently advanced. In addition, the technological innova-

As a policy to realize this declaration, the “Greention of “bio-digital technology,” a fusion of biotechnol-

Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality

ogy and information technology (digital), such as IoT

in 2050” was developed in December 2020 and revisedand AI, is rapidly developing. Therefore, “bio-manufac-

in June 2021. Fourteen fields have also been set toturing,” using this bio-digital technology and bio-re-achieve this goal. These fields are expected to grow assources, is expected to significantly contribute to car-an industry and are considered indispensable for reduc-bon neutrality and carbon negative.

ing greenhouse gas emissions.

Our group has been developing biorefinery technol-

Among these, ⑪ “The Carbon Recycling Industry”

ogies, which are technologies to produce biofuels andcan be mentioned as a field in which biotechnology cangreen chemicals using renewable resources (biomass)

influence. Specifically, it is the production field of car-as raw materials using microorganisms, with the aim of

bon-recycled fuels, such as alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) and bio-balancing the global environment and the economy.

31

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

These are technologies that can contribute to ⑪ “TheRITE Today 2022

Chapter 4).

Carbon Recycling Industry” above. In this development,This overview explains our core technology, thewe have observed that although coryneform bacteria“RITE Bioprocess®,” and its features. Next, we will intro-(typical industrial microorganisms) suppress theirduce these developments, highlighting their target uses.

growth under reducing conditions, they maintain met-

Then, as crucial technological development, national

abolic functions. They can metabolize saccharides toprojects based on the “bio-digital technology” that has

produce organic acids and related compounds effi-

made remarkable progress will be described. Finally, we

ciently. Therefore, we developed a growth-independent

want to commercialize our efforts.

bioprocess “RITE Bioprocess®” and established “thecomplete and simultaneous use of mixed sugars de-

2. The core technology of our group “RITE Bioprocess®”

rived from non-food biomass” and “high resistance to

Our group has established the innovative biopro-

fermentation inhibitors” that are essential and ele-

cess “RITE Bioprocess®” based on a new concept, “coremental technologies for industrialization (see Chapter

technology of RITE.” This concept has achieved out-

2).

standing results in developing technologies for theWith these technologies, we are reporting thehighly efficient production of biofuels and green chem-

world’s highest level of high-efficiency biofuel products,

icals, such as amino acids and aromatic compounds. It

including ethanol, butanol, green jet fuels, biohydro-

has also been significantly evaluated in Japan and over-gens, and green chemicals, including lactic acid, succinic

seas (Fig. 1).

acid, alanine, valine, shikimic acid, protocatechuic acid,
4-aminobenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Furthermore, we are currently focusing on developing production technologies for aromatic compounds, raw materials for higher value-added fragrances, cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, and so on (see Chapter 3).
Alternatively, we participated in the New Energy andIndustrial

Technology

Development

RITE Bioprocess®

Non-food
biomass(Growth-arrested bioprocess)Pretreatment
Saccharification

Coryneformbacteria

Biofuels
Green chemicals

Recovery
Purification

Metabolicengineeringetc.

O

Production proceeds without cell growth
・ Simultaneous utilization of mixed sugar
・ Tolerance to growth inhibitors
・ High productivity

HO

OH O

OH

OH

OH

NH2

Fig. 1 Biorefinery concept using the “RITE Bioprocess®”

Organization(NEDO) “Smart Cell” project, SIP Strategic Innovation

2.1. Features of the “RITE Bioprocess®”

Creation Program, and NEDO “Bio-Manufacturing” pro-

2.1.1. Feature 1: Growth-independent bioprocess

ject to develop the latest technology, integrating bio-In the “RITE Bioprocess®,” first, many coryneform

technology and digital technology. Through these na-bacteria that are highly and metabolically designed totional projects, we are progressing with R&D to improve

help efficiently produce the target substance are culti-

the efficiency of biosynthesizing high-performancevated. Then, after densely filling the reaction vessel withchemicals, which were difficult to produce through con-cells, the reaction is conducted in a state where cell di-ventional synthetic methods. Likewise, since 2020, we

vision is stopped by removing anaerobic conditions andhave participated in the NEDO “Moonshot” project andfactors essential for proliferation (Fig. 2).

are working on researching and developing multi-lock
type biopolymers that can be decomposed into theocean using non-food biomass as a raw material (see32

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

Alternatively, by further introducing a C5 sugar trans-

RITE Bioprocess®

porter gene, we succeeded in increasing the usage rate

High-density packing of microbial cells
Patent: JP3869788
JP4451393
US7368268
EP1647594

C5, C6 sugars
Complete simultaneous
utilization of mix sugars

JP4712716
US8604180
DE602004026192.0
FR1647594

JP4927297
US7598063
JP4294373

High resistance tofermentation inhibitors

Biofuels
Biochemicals

RITE Today 2022

Growth-arrested bioprocess■ High yield and high productivity■ Simple system

Conventional bioprocessof the C5 sugar to the same level as the C6 sugar (seethe graph on the right in Fig. 3). Therefore, C5 and C6
saccharides can be used simultaneously, and cellulosic
raw materials can be used efficiently.

Production is accompanied by microbial growth

growthGrowth-nonarrested bioprocess■Cell-growth-dependent productivity■Carbon loss by cell growthFig. 2 Feature 1 of the “RITE Bioprocess®”

Improvement of simultaneous
utilization of C6 & C5 sugars by introducing
pentose transporter gene（araE）

The key to its high efficiency lies in the growth-independent bioprocess of producing compounds while
suppressing the growth of microorganisms, which eliminates the need for nutrients and energy required forConcentration of sugars (mM)

(Growth-independent bioprocess)the development. Specifically, although raw sugar ma-

200

200

glucosexylosearabinose

150

100

100

50

50

0

0

2

4

6

Time(h)810glucosexylosearabinose

150

12

0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Time(h)RITE’s report: Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 85:105-115. 2009.

terials are not used for growth, they produce target
substances, making it possible to use microbial cells re-Fig. 3 Feature 2 of the “RITE Bioprocess®”markably and efficiently like a chemical catalyst. This

(Simultaneous usage of mixed sugars)

method also achieved a bioprocess with high productivity equal to or higher than that of a typical chemical

2.1.3. Feature 3: High tolerance to fermentation inhibi-

process.

tors
Fermentation-inhibiting substances, such as phe-

2.1.2. Feature 2: Complete simultaneous use of C5 andnols and furans produced during the pretreatment of

C6 mixed sugars

lignocellulosic biomass, sturdily inhibit creating the tar-

Cellulose-based biomass comprises C5 sugars, suchget substance. Therefore, increasing the microorgan-

as xylose and arabinose, and C6 sugars, such as glucose.

isms (bacteria) resistance to the fermentation inhibitor

Therefore, simultaneously using C5 and C6 sugars is in-

is indispensable to produce the target substance effi-dispensable for efficient production processes using

ciently. The “RITE Bioprocess®” demonstrates that it iscellulosic biomass.

highly resistant to fermentation inhibitors because it

Coryneform bacteria into which a C5 glucose me-does not grow as described above (Fig. 4).

tabolism gene has been introduced have slower usage
rates with xylose (C5 sugar) and arabinose (C5 sugar)
than glucose (C6 sugar) (see the graph on the left in Fig.
3). Therefore, when the raw materials are continuously
added, the C5 sugar accumulates, eventually decreasing
the production efficiency of the compound.

33

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group3. Development of target productsComparison of resistance tofermentation inhibitors

Relative ethanol
productivity（%）

4-HB

3.1.1. Biobutanol

100

80

Butanol is more suitable as a gasoline additive than

80

O

60

O

40

20

ethanol owing to its better physicochemical properties,

60

40

0

3.1. Biofuel

Furfural100

CHO

including higher energy content, lower vapor pressure,

20

OH

0

RITE Today 202260

and lower water solubility. It can also be used as a base

●RITE Bioprocess ■Zymomonas mobilis ▲Saccharomyces cerevisiae

material for producing bio-jet fuels using conventional

RITE’s report: Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 73:2349-2353. 2007.

chemical reactions. In turn, the bio-jet fuel synthesized

0

5

10

15

Concentration (mM)

20

0

20

40

Concentration (mM)

Fig. 4 Feature 3 of the “RITE Bioprocess®”from biobutanol can be used in airplanes. Airlines and(High tolerance to fermentation inhibitors)

aircraft manufacturers have paid considerable attention
to the importance of bio-jet fuel as critical for reducing

2.2. Main substances produced by the “RITE Biopro-

CO2 emissions because it uses plant-based materials as

cess®”

feedstock instead of petroleum. The bio-jet fuel synthe-

Figure 5 shows some substances currently achieving

sized from butanol is called "alcohol-to-jet" (ATJ) fuel.

high production by the group. As mentioned above,

In 2016, it cleared the standards of the America Society

many materials have reached the world’s highest level

for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and became availableof productivity. Nevertheless, we are expanding fromfor commercial flights.

ethanol and biohydrogen to butanol and high-perfor-

Prior to these movements, we have been developing

mance bio-jet fuel materials in biofuels. We also ex-

a highly efficient biobutanol production process using

panded from L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, and amino acids"RITE Bioprocess®". As part of this development, we

to high-performance chemicals, such as aromatic com-conducted the “International Joint Research and Devel-

pounds in green chemicals.

opment Project for Innovative Energy Technology” by
the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Biofuels

Green chemicals

Gasoline additives• Ethanol*

Aromatics• Shikimic acid (Anti-influenza drug; Tamiflu raw materials)• Phenol* (Phenolic resins, Polycarbonates)• 4-hydroxybenzoic acid * (Polymer raw materials)• Aniline* (Natural resource tire (Age resistor))• 4-aminobenzoic acid* (Pharmaceutical raw materials)• Protocatechuic acid* (Cosmetic raw materials)
Organic acids• D-lactate*, L-lactate* (Stereo-complex PLA)
• Succinate*
Amino acids• Alanine (Chelators)• Valine (Next-generation feed-use amino acids)• Tryptophan (Next-generation feed-use amino acids)
Alcohols• Isopropanol (Propylene raw materials)• Xylitol (Sweetener)*：Polymer raw materials

Bio-jet fuels• Isobutanol*• n-butanol*• C9~C15 Saturatedhydrocarbon+ Aromatics
Biohydrogen

Red character：World’s highest productivity achieved

In thisproject, through joint research with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we developed biobutanol production technology using mixed sugar derived from non-food biomass as a raw material. In addition, through joint research with the US Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL), we proceeded withthe development of technology to convert butanol into

Fig. 5 Examples of substances produced bydrop-in fuel such as jet fuel. Furthermore, our group im-

the “RITE Bioprocess®”

proved the butanol resistance of the production strains,
optimized the metabolic pathways of the production
strains, and developed energy-saving butanol recovery
technology. As a result, we have achieved the world's
highest level of high productivity in the bioproductionof butanol (Fig. 6).

34

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE

Bio-butanol-producing bacteria with high yield

RITE‐NREL

Utilization ofunused acetate

Concentration and purificationof bio-butanol by combinationof PV membrane and distillation

RITE Bioprocess®

RITE‐PNNL
Drop-in fuels (motor fuel, jet fuel)Total energy for concentrationand purification can be
reduced below 10%bons comprising n-paraffins, isoparaffins, cycloparaffins,and aromatic compounds with 9–15 carbon atoms. So
far, ASTM International has approved seven production

Bio-butanol

Oligomerization

NREL：National renewable energy laboratory (U.S.)

Petroleum-based jet fuels are mixtures of hydrocar-

Butanol-resistant genes are obtained

Mixed sugars
NREL
Pretreatedbiomass

RITE Today 2022

PNNL：Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

pathways for bio-jet fuels, such as producing HEFA fuelby hydroprocessing fatty-acid esters and ATJ fuel by ol-

Fig. 6 Production of biobutanol and bio-jet fueligomerizing ethanol or isobutanol. In 2020, ATJ fuelusing the “RITE Bioprocess®”

coupled with our biobutanol production technology
was also approved. However, these certified bio-jet

Meanwhile, as an initiative for commercialization,

fuels primarily consist of isoparaffins and lack other es-

RITE provided technical cooperation in the “Let's Fly bysential components: cycloparaffins and aromatics.

Recycling 100,000 Clothes!” project (2018–2020) spon-

Therefore, they do not meet ASTM standards on theirsored by JAL. This project manufactured bio-jet fuels

own and should be blended with petroleum-based jetfrom used clothes collected in cooperation with JAL andfuel to 50% or less when used.

JEPLAN, Inc., and our technology was selected for it.

To overcome this blending ratio limitation of certi-

The Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. (GEI), a venture

fied bio-jet fuels, we are developing a high-perfor-

company originating from RITE, participated in this pro-mance green jet fuel containing cycloparaffins, aromat-

ject together with RITE. Consequently, isobutanol was

ics, and isoparaffins. The novel jet fuel is expected to be

produced by the “RITE Bioprocess®” using coryneform

used alone without being blended with petroleum-bacteria developed by RITE. Hence, in 2020, the bio-jet

based jet fuel. In the R&D of high-performance bio-jet

fuel produced from this isobutanol passed the interna-fuel, we achieved promising results, such as a novel bi-

tional standard ASTM D7566 Annex5 Neat for the firstocatalyst that enabled cross-coupling reactions be-time as a purely domestic bio-jet fuel. The first flighttween C2 and C8 compounds to synthesize C9–C15

equipped with domestic bio-jet fuel was realized onbranched and cyclic compounds, which can then be

February 4, 2021 on JAL's Haneda-Fukuoka route.

chemically converted to jet fuel components (Fig. 7).

Therefore, in the future, by combining these elemental technologies and various procedural knowledge,

Fermentation

ATJ

we propose to produce jet fuels from biobutanol for use
and commercialization.

SugarsOH

Microbecatalyst

Chemicalconversion

High performancegreen jet fuelFermentation・Bioconversion

3.1.2. Green jet fuel
There is an urgent need to reduce the aviation in-

C１２
Isoparaffin

Isobutanol

SugarsMicrobecatalyst

C9-C15
Branched-,
cyclicprecursors

Chemicalconversion

C9-C15Isoparaffins
Cycloparaffins
Aromatics

dustry’s environmental load. As part of the reduction
measures, electric or hydrogen aircraft are being devel-

Fig. 7 R&D of a novel high-performance bio-jet fueloped, but considerable technical issues have been observed. Thus, disseminating drop-in biofuels derived
from renewable feedstocks is unavoidable.

3.1.3. Biohydrogen
Hydrogen is an energy carrier key to realizing carbon neutrality because (i) its combustion generates only35

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2022

water; (ii) it can be produced from diverse energy

mechanism of acetate metabolism in photosynthetic

sources, including renewable ones; (iii) it can be stored

bacteria for use in photofermentation, which has beenin large quantities for long periods; and (iv) it can be

successfully applied to improve the acetate-hydrogen

distributed and used for power generation, transporta-

conversion efficiency (Fig. 8).

tion, and various industrial processes. However, CO2
emissions during hydrogen production processes cur-

Dark fermentation

rently used are a problematic issue because fossil resources are used as feedstock. Therefore, a Basic Hydrogen Strategy was drawn up at the Ministerial Council[NiFe]H2[Mo]

C6H12O6(Glucose)

2 H+

2 NADH

CO2

meeting on Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, and Related

Formate

2 CO2

2 C3H4O3(Pyruvate)

4 H2Issues in 2017. The conference stated the importance of

2 Fd2-

developing innovative technologies for hydrogen pro-

2 H2duction, storage, and distribution to realize a hydrogen

8 H2

society over the medium to long term up to 2050.

2 CH2O2(Formate)
2 C2 H 4 O 2(Acetate)

2 CO2
2 C2H3O-CoA(Acetyl-CoA)

Photofermentation■ High-yield H2
production pathway■ Efficient conversionof acetate to H2

Therefore, hydrogen strategies around the world have
moved. As noted, the US Department of Energy

Fig. 8 Metabolic engineering of dark fermentative andlaunched the “Energy Earthshots Initiative,” in which thephotofermentative hydrogen-producing microorganisms

first “Hydrogen Shot” was set as a challenging goal, i.e.,
reducing the cost of CO2-free hydrogen by 80% in one
decade.

3.2. Amino acids (alanine and valine)
Usually, amino acid fermentation is conducted un-

Furthermore, although bioprocesses have signifi-

der aerobic conditions, where high productivity requires

cant potential for CO2-free hydrogen production, inno-

the aeration and agitation of the system to be ade-vative improvements in technology should establish aquately controlled. However, this process is difficult tocost-effective process for producing biohydrogen.

achieve in large-scale fermenters because their internal

Therefore, along with Sharp Corporation, our group has

oxygen concentration is not homogeneous. To over-developed a biohydrogen production process with ancome this problem, we have developed a new and ge-

overwhelming production rate (max 300 L H2/h/L) using

netically modified Corynebacterium strain using thethe hydrogen production pathway via formate during“RITE Bioprocess®” to produce amino acids under an-

dark fermentation. On the basis of this achievement, ouraerobic conditions. Furthermore, under anaerobic con-group is now working on improving hydrogen yieldditions, the technological hurdle for amino acid produc-from biomass by integration with photofermentation.

tion is to balance the redox reaction without oxygen as

The formate-dependent hydrogen production path-an electron acceptor. To this end, we successfully intro-

way uses only a part of the reducing power generated

duced an artificial pathway for amino acid biosynthesis

by degrading sugars, such as glucose, derived from bi-

into microbial cells, solving the technological hurdle.

omass. Subsequently, a high-yield hydrogen produc-

Our group published this accomplishment in an inter-tion pathway using both NADH and ferredoxin (Fd) as

national journal in 2010 (Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 87:

the reducing power was engineered and demonstrated

159–165).

to work. Our group also elucidated a unique regulatory

GEI was established in 2011 for industrializing the36

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2022

“RITE Bioprocess®.” In 2011, RITE and GEI began col-tion processes. Bacterial cells synthesize various aro-

laborative research on amino acid production using thematic compounds, including amino acids (phenylala-“RITE Bioprocess®” and developed technologies fornine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), folate (vitamin B9), andscaling up production, growing efficient productioncoenzyme Q, all of which are derived from the shikimate

strains, and reducing production costs. Subsequently, in

pathway (Fig. 9). Therefore, by employing the metabol-

2019, RITE succeeded in producing a strain that yielded

ically engineered C. glutamicum, we successfully estab-

the world’s highest production concentration of L-valine

lished a highly efficient bioprocess for producing thewith the best production efficiency. Furthermore, RITE

following aromatic compounds from non-food feed-

has completed commercialization projects with GEI andstocks: shikimate, an essential building block of theoverseas partners to achieve the commercial produc-anti-influenza drug, Tamiflu; 4-aminobenzoate, thetion of these amino acids. We aimed to produce thisbuilding block of a potentially useful functional poly-amino acid from renewable resources to reduce the life

mer; and aromatic hydroxy acids, having potential ap-

cycle carbon footprint.

plications in polymer, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, adhe-

In 2016, we succeeded in demonstrating the feasi-

sive material, and flavor (vanillin) industries. Currently,

bility of L-alanine’s production technique using com-

we are seeking to develop new strains to produce usefulmercial-scale facilities of our partner company, whicharomatic compounds that the wild-type C. glutamicum

was an important milestone for its industrialization. One

is unable to produce. These strains will be achieved byof our group members also participated in the first op-

introducing genes derived from versatile biological re-eration and worked with local employees to lead thesources into the bacterium. The techniques developed

project to a successful conclusion. After an evaluationin the Smart Cell Project, as described earlier, will also

by the Food Safety Committee in August 2017, thehelp to accelerate the development of strains and im-safety of the L-alanine produced by our strain as a foodprove their productivity.

additive was confirmed, allowing it to be made commercially available for this purpose besides its use forindustrial applications. We are now working on a joint
research project to produce other amino acids.

3.3. Green-aromatic compounds
Aromatic compounds are essential industrial chemicals used for synthesizing polymers and various valueadded chemicals for use in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, flavor, cosmetic, and food industries. Although they
are currently derived from petroleum or natural plantresources, their environmentally friendly biotechnological production from renewable feedstocks is desirable

Fig. 9 The biosynthetic pathway for various

to create a sustainable society that is no longer depend-aromatic compounds

ent on petroleum resources and has efficient produc-37

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2022

4. Core technologies

Creation Technology” to solve problems associated with

4.1. The NEDO Carbon Recycle Project

the practical application of fermentative production

On a national strategy, realizing the world’s mosttechnologies using production strains developed in theadvanced bioeconomy society in 2030, the develop-

Smart Cell Project and accumulated omics data (metab-ment of material production technologies as the basis

olome, transcriptome, proteome). We will also validateof the bio-manufacturing industry is an urgent issue. By

the technologies (Fig. 10).

utilizing biological functions, it is possible to produce
materials from biomass without depending on fossil resources as raw materials. These technologies will contribute to the realization of a carbon recycling society.
In response to this social situation, NEDO launched
a new project in 2020, “Development of Bio-based Production Technology to Accelerate Carbon Recycling.”
Participating institutions will develop and validate nextgeneration production technologies based on the fer-

Fig. 10 Construction of an advanced bioproduction

mentation technologies cultivated in Japan so far orsystem platforms

that did not involve conventional methods.
Our Group participated in the predecessor of this4.2. The Cross-ministerial strategic innovation promo-

project, “Development of Production Techniques fortion program (SIP)

Highly Functional Biomaterials Using Plants and Other(Development of biomonomers for high-performance

Organisms” (NEDO Smart Cell Project). Along with pro-plastics)

ject participants (universities, research institutes, and

RITE is participating in the theme “Technologies forcompanies), we developed technologies to design a

Smart Bio-industry and Agriculture” in the SIP, which

Smart Cell (defined as a finely designed and expression-seeks to promote R&D, from the basic research stage

controlled cell). We also validated the technologies by

to the final outcome, in a seamless manner by endeav-

breeding production strains in a short period of time.

oring to strengthen cooperation among industries, ac-

In the Carbon Recycling Project, in addition to fur-ademia, and governments beyond the framework ofther improving the technologies developed during thegovernment ministries and traditional disciplines. The

Smart Cell Project, production process technologies, in-theme aims to realize a sustainable growing society thatcluding scale-up and refining, will be developed. Fur-uses manufacturing technologies developed throughthermore, advanced bioproduction system platforms

biotechnology and digital resources.

and peripheral technologies will be developed by cre-In the program, RITE participates in the consortium

ating information analysis technologies that can control“Development of Technologies for Functional Design

production processes. These results will accelerate theand Production of Innovative Biomaterials,” which aimssocial implementation of bio-based materials.

for synthesizing polymers with new functions desired by

Our group participated in this project from the firstmarkets using monomers biosynthesized from cheap

year. Our target is catechol, a highly toxic aromatic

raw materials, such as biomass. Thus far, polymers withcompound. The aim is to develop “Industrial Smart Cell

38

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Groupultra-high heat resistance and those for battery materi-

RITE Today 2022

4.3. The NEDO moonshot-type R&D project

als have been developed (Fig. 11). To design the biosyn-

Plastics are lightweight, inexpensive, and durable

thetic route for monomers comprising these polymers,

polymer materials indispensable for daily life. However,

the group led by RITE has been developing and validat-

because they are chemically stable, they are not easily

ing technologies for functional modification of enzymes

decomposed in the natural environment.

using enzymes involved in monomer precursor biosyn-

It has been reported that there is a typical trade-off

thesis as targets. The technology enables the efficient

between biodegradability and durability/toughness of

extraction of combined functional mutations by provid-

polymers, such as plastics. Hence, biodegradable poly-

ing a machine learning algorithm with data of manymers are not durable because they degrade quickly inmutant enzymes to train it. The technology for seeking

the natural environment and their mechanical proper-

novel enzymes with desired functions using multiple

ties are insufficient. Thus, only limited applications areamino acid sequence data from enzyme databases ispossible. Although conventional plastics have excellent

also being developed. These technologies allowed us todurability and toughness, their biodegradability is poor.

modify the substrate specificity of target enzymes andSuppose that it is possible to create new plastics

improve their activities. In the fiscal year of 2021,

with durability and toughness with biodegradability,

through collaboration between the consortia, RITE has

these plastics can be used in several applications as en-

been working on the task to improve the productivity

vironmentally friendly plastic. They can also be recycled.

of the target monomer biosynthesized by a bacterial

Notably, plastic litters scattered in the marine environ-strain by optimizing its culture conditions. Thus far, thement are challenging to recover and have a negative

productivity of the monomer has successfully been im-

effect on the ecosystem.

proved twofold by seeking optimal culture conditions.

Therefore, developing plastics that can control the

Subsequently, RITE will evaluate the monomer’stiming and speed of biodegradation (multi-lock biopol-

productivity using biomass-derived raw materials pro-ymers) is critical for resource recycling.

vided by a collaborative consortium.

In the NEDO moonshot-type R&D project “Development of Multi-Lock Biopolymers Degradable in Ocean
from Non-Food Biomasses”, we will introduce a “multilock mechanism” for plastic degradation to break the
trade-off relationship between plastics. Hence, throughmultiple and simultaneous stimuli, such as light, heat,
oxygen, water, enzymes, microorganisms, and catalysts
during decomposition, the multi-lock mechanism will
suppress the decomposition to maintain durability andtoughness and prevent degradation. Products to becommercialized in this project are plastics, tires, textiles,

Fig. 11 Synthesis of developing monomers and polymers

fishing nets, and fishing gears made from non-food bi-

and polymer applications

omass. Material design guidelines for multi-lock biodegradable plastics will also be established through col-39

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2022

laboration between industry, academia, and the gov-

industrialization of our biomass-derived phenol-pro-ernment. In this context, our group is promoting R&D

ducing technology, named the “Two-Stage Bioprocess.”on the bioproduction of various monomers that can be

This was the first example in demutualization of a tech-used as raw materials for these products from non-foodnology research association. Then, in April 2018, GPD

biomass materials. This project includes the functional-changed its name to Green Chemicals Co., Ltd. (GCC).

ization of plastic-degrading enzymes that can be used

Since GCC’s phenol-producing technology andin the multi-lock mechanism (Fig. 12)

knowledge apply to the production of various other ar-(Here is the HP of the project: http://www.moon-

omatic compounds, establishing a bioprocess for eachshot.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html).

higher value-added chemical and commercializing
products that meet customer needs are in progress (seeUncollectable ocean
plastic litters

Fishing
tools litter

Fiber litter

Multipleenvironmental
stimuli to unlock

EnzymeOO

Bioprocess

RITE② High-functionalization of polymerdegrading enzyme

Environmental,
chemical, and enzymatical

HO

Multi-lockbiopolymer

The present three significant GCC products are

On-demand
decomposition

Plastic litter

Spread by accidentHigh
durability
in useSection 3.3).

Light
Ion
etc….

shown in Fig. 13. In 2021, several companies started
quality evaluation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA).

H2O

OH

Monomer

RITE

Inedible
biomass① High production of biomonomers

CO2

Photosynthesis

Fig. 12 R&D of marine-degradable multi-lockbiopolymers made from non-food biomass
for resource recycling

5. Toward the industrialization of our technologies
5.1. Green Chemicals Co., Ltd.
(Head Office ・ Laboratory: in Kyoto headquarters,
RITE; Shizuoka Laboratory: in Shizuoka plant, Sumitomo
Bakelite Co., Ltd.)(Click here for GCC)
Currently, commercial phenol can only be derived

Fig. 13 Three major products of Green Chemicals Co., Ltd.

from petroleum. We have taken on the challenge of developing the world’s first bio-manufacturing process forbiomass-derived phenol. The aim is to aid global environmental conservation and greenhouse gas reduction.
In February 2010, Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. and5.2. Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd.
(Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; ResearchInstitute: Kazusa, Kisarazu City, Chiba, Japan)(Click here for GEI homepage)

RITE established Green Phenol/High Performance Phe-GEI is a RITE-launched venture company establishednolic Resin Manufacturing Technology Research Associ-on September 1, 2011, to facilitate the quick commer-

ation (GP Union).

cialization of research results based on those above-

In May 2014, GP Union was reorganized into Green

mentioned innovative “RITE Bioprocess®.” GEI is cur-Phenol Development Co., Ltd. (GPD), to accelerate therently conducting joint research and activities aimed at40

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

commercialization with RITE to realize the practical usesof green chemicals and biofuel production technologies

RITE Today 2022

term R&D project.
B)

At an early stage, we will take measures tomanufactured using microorganisms. The company waschange the major raw materials purchased

listed on TSE Mothers in December 2021.

from other companies from fossil resource-de-With amino acids, as mentioned earlier, GEI has suc-rived materials to bio-derived materials toward

ceeded in producing L-alanine and L-valine on a com-

“2050 carbon neutral.” This project is also being

mercial scale using the production strain developed by

implemented as a medium- to long-term R&D

RITE (see Section 3.2). In addition, the Ministry of Health,goal.

Labor and Welfare confirmed the safety of L-alanine asC)

Changing the substance, a product of the com-a food additive, paving the way for its use in the foodpany, or the substance and raw material fromindustry.

fossil resources to bio-derived ones is another

However, based on bio-jet fuels made from non-goal. With this project, substances that can be

food biomass, which are highly expected to reduce CO2

commercialized quickly at high unit prices are

emissions from aircraft, GEI is continuously conducting

being implemented as short-term R&D goals.

joint research with RITE in this area and is working toward commercialization. Due to this initiative, we suc-

6. Closing remarks

ceeded in producing “Japan’s first purely domestic bio-Due to the abovementioned technological innova-

jet fuel flight” on February 4, 2021, for the JL319 flighttion of “bio-digital technology,” the understanding of(from Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport) (see Chapter

life phenomena by the “data-driven” approach of dis-

3.1).

covering the law from huge life information has recently

Furthermore, GEI is developing green chemicals inprogressed. Under such a background, research on thecooperation with RITE for marketing, commercialization,

biology of synthesis that accumulates data and under-and scaling up the mass production.

stands biological functions by repeating the Design-

GEI will continue to influence developing biorefinery

Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle is also rapidly developing.

businesses toward realizing a society that does not rely

All the national projects introduced in Chapter 4 also

on fossil resources.

use these technological innovations, new knowledge,
and methods to achieve dramatic improvements in de-

5.3. Joint research with companies

velopment efficiency. In these projects, the biorefinery

In response to requests from companies, we aretechnology using the abovementioned smart cell also

conducting joint research on the production of many

plays a significant role as a core technology and is ex-

substances other than the biofuels and green chemicals

pected to have a tremendous ripple effect in the indus-

introduced in this overview. Although these contents

trial (manufacturing) and energy fields (Fig. 14).

cannot be presented here, they include the following:A)

At an early stage, we will take measures tochange the substance, the company’s main
product, from fossil resource-derived to bioderived, toward “2050 carbon neutral.” Here, it
is being implemented as a medium- to long-41

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

Biologicalinformation
DNA
RNA
Protein
Metabolites
etc.

Advanced AI・
IT technology
Deep learning
Machine learning
Evolutionary
engineering
Simulation etc.

Smart Cell
Finely-designed andexpression-controlled cell

Design of biological function
Design

Build

Learn

Test

RITE Today 2022

Advanced biotechnology
Genome editing
High speed DNA sequencing
Metabolic control
Culture, breeding technology etc.

Control of functional expression

New industry creation”Smart Cell” Industry
Industry & energy production based on “smart-cell”

Industry

EnergyRenewable resource/energy saving

Non-fossil resources

Green chemicals
bioplastics
BiofiberEngineering plastics
Medicine, intermediateof medicine etc.

Biofuelsbioethanol
biojet fuels
biodieselbiogas etc.

Source: International trends for realization of Bioeconomy & efforts being by Japan (METI）25 Sept. 2018

Fig. 14 Fusion of industrial/energy fields changed
by bio and digital processes

In 2022, the group will continue to research and develop green chemicals, such as aromatic compounds,
and biofuel production using the “RITE Bioprocess®”and “industrial smart cell design system.” In addition, we
also want to focus on developing practical production
technologies and contribute to the “realization of carbon neutral by green bioprocesses.”
Since the declaration of the “2050 carbon neutral” in
October 2020, inquiries from companies have increased,
and the number of joint research projects with companies has also increased. However, the group is looking
for research partner companies, including cases otherthan those introduced in Chapter 5, Section 3. There isalso a possibility that compounds that are difficult to
produce microorganisms can be highly manufactured
using the latest elemental technologies’ developmental
results, such as the abovementioned aromatic compounds. Therefore, if there is a compound that you wantto make bio-derived, please contact us.
※ “RITE Bioprocess®” is a registered trademark of RITE.

42

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2022

Chemical Research Group
Members (as of Dec. 2021)
Shin-Ichi Nakao, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Katsunori Yogo, Chief Researcher
Koji Baba, Associate Chief Researcher
Teruhiko Kai, Senior Researcher
Kazuya Goto, Senior Researcher
Firoz Alam Chowdhury, Senior Researcher
Toshinori Muraoka, Senior Researcher
Kenichiro Yasuhara, Senior Researcher
Makoto Ryoji, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Ito, Researcher
Tomohiro Kinoshita, Researcher
Takayasu Kiyokawa, Researcher
Quyen Thi Vu, Researcher
Shuhong Duan, Researcher
Nobuhiko Fuchigami, Researcher
Lie Meng, Researcher

Hanako Araki, Research Assistant
Noriko Onishi, Research AssistantHidenori Ogata, Research Assistant
Kumiko Ogura, Research Assistant
Mai Kashima, Research AssistantKozue Kataoka, Research AssistantKeiko Komono, Research Assistant
Ryuichi Shirai, Research Assistant
Rie Sugimoto, Research AssistantTakashi Teshima, Research AssistantYozo Narutaki, Research AssistantYoichi Fujiwara, Research AssistantKeiko Mori, Research AssistantMisato Mori, Research Assistant
Miku Yamada, Research AssistantNaomi Yoshino, Research AssistantJunko Yonezawa, Research Assistant

Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2
Capture Technologies
1. Technologies for CO2 capture

Strategy for 2050 Carbon Neutral formulated in Decem-

The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP 21 in De-

ber 2021 (detailed in June 2021), various types are avail-cember 2015, and in order to minimize the adverse ef-

able. Efforts to prevent global warming are being pro-fects of climate change, such as abnormal weather, themoted from various areas. CCUS (Carbon dioxide Cap-rise in global average temperature before the Industrial

ture, Utilization, and Storage) / Carbon Recycling is an

Revolution was kept well below 2°C. Pursuing efforts toimportant innovative technology that enables carbon

keep the temperature down to 1.5°C was the goal. After

neutrality. In CCUS/carbon recycling, the combination

that, in response to the heightened sense of crisis, suchof the reuse of separated and recovered CO2 from fuels

as further temperature rises and the enormous naturaland materials by treating CO2 as a carbon resource

disasters occurring on a global scale, the Glasgow Cli-

(CCU), and the storage of separated and recovered CO2mate Agreement at COP 26 in November 2021 demon-

underground (CCS) is expected to have a significant CO2

strated the determination to pursue efforts to limit the

reduction effect. Furthermore, it has been shown thattemperature rise to 1.5°C with the world's first numeri-

CO2 separation and capture technologies are the basis

cal target of 1.5°C. According to the IPCC, the 1.5°C tar-for CCUS, and the targets for the technologies are to

get requires a 45% reduction in CO2 by 2030 compared

reduce the cost of CO2 separation and capture to 1,000

to 2010 and net zero by 2050.

yen/t-CO2 by 2050 and to establish CO2 separation and

In Japan as well, in response to the 2050 Carbon Neu-

capture technologies for various CO2 emission sources.

tral Declaration in October 2020 and the Green Growth

Negative emission technology is required to achievecarbon neutrality, and direct air capture (DAC) of CO2

43

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2022

from the atmosphere, which has been attracting atten-

means of separating CO2 from high-pressure gas mix-tion recently, is particularly important. In the Carbon Re-

tures at low cost and with low energy requirements. As

cycling Technology Roadmap (Ministry of Economy,a member of the Molecular Gate Membrane module

Trade and Industry) revised in July 2021, DAC was added

Technology Research Association, RITE has been devel-

as a new technology field with progress.

oping membranes to selectively capture CO2 from pres-Against this background, it is necessary to promotesurized gas mixtures containing H2, such as those gen-the practical application of CCUS by proposing optimalerated in the integrated coal gasification combined cy-

separation and capture technologies for the various CO2cle (IGCC) at low cost and with low energy use. We are

emission sources. In particular, in order to introduce

also developing membranes with large areas using theand put into practical use CCS, which is expected to re-continuous membrane-forming method and develop-

duce CO2 on a large scale as a measure to address

ing membrane elements for the mass production of

global warming, it is important to reduce the cost ofmembranes and membrane elements in the future. In

separating and recovering CO2 emitted from large-scale

addition, we evaluated the separation performance andsources.

process compatibility of our membrane elements using

The Chemical Research Group studied the different
CO2 capture technologies with a special focus on chem-

coal gasification real gas and are proceeding with development aimed at commercialization.

ical absorption, adsorption, and membrane separation

In addition, as part of the NEDO moonshot R&D pro-methods. This work involved the development of new

ject, we have begun studying technologies for captur-

materials and processing methods, as well as investiga-

ing CO2 from the atmosphere by direct air capture

tions of capture systems. The Group’s studies have thus

(DAC) and using it as fuel or raw materials. While pro-

far generated significant outcomes and assisted in the

moting the development of amine compounds suitable

progress of research in this particular field.

for the separation and recovery of low concentration

Specifically, we developed high performance chemi-

CO2, we are working on the development of a DAC sys-

cal absorbents, and chemical absorbents with particular

tem that can separate and recover CO2 from the atmos-

promise were selected for application in a commercial

phere with high efficiency in cooperation with Kana-

CO2 capture plant owned by a private Japanese com-zawa University and private companies.

pany.

As described above, RITE is working on the develop-

With regard to solid sorbent technology, we havement of innovative technologies that will be the foun-been engaged in research and development of solid ab-

dation for a wide range of next generation, leading-sorbent materials with high CO2 efficiency recovery andedge research and development for CO2 reduction andlow energy consumption and have found solid absor-

aiming to establish technologies that can be imple-

bent materials and systems with good CO2 desorption

mented in society. In addition, we joined the Interna-

performance at low temperatures. Currently, in thetional Test Center Network (ITCN) and now actively use

NEDO consignment project, we are preparing for aoverseas networks towards the commercialization ofscale-up test using actual combustion exhaust gas fromCO2 separation and recovery technology.

a coal-fired power plant in collaboration with a private*COP 21: 2015 United Nations Climate Change Confer-company.

ence

Membrane separation is expected to be an effective

44

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Group

2. Chemical absorption method for CO2 capture

RITE Today 2022

nearby chemical factory.

In the absorption method, CO2 is separated by using

In addition, the latest research found the possibility

the selective dissolution of CO2 from a mixed gas into aof further reducing energy consumption by using thesolvent. In particular, the chemical absorption method

absorption solvent with an organic compound instead

based on the chemical reaction between amine and CO2

of water and continues to explore new ones. The solvent

in a solvent can be applied to gases with a relatively low

can control the reaction mechanism of CO2 absorption

CO2 concentration, such as combustion exhaust gas,

and the effect of polarization.

and the method is one of the most mature CO2 capture
technologies.
Energy consumption in the process of solvent regeneration and the degradation of amines are factors in thecost increases of the chemical absorption method. Focusing on the fact that the structure of amine molecules
is closely related to these factors, RITE started a newamine solvent: since the COCS project (METI's Subsidy
Project) started in 2004, RITE has been working on thedevelopment of a high-performance amine solvent that
reduces the cost of CO2 capture.
In the COURSE50 project (NEDO consignment project) since 2008 with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions

Fig. 1 Equipment of energy-saving CO2 absorption process ESCAP® at Niihama Nishi power station, Sumitomo Joint Electric Power Co., Ltd.

by 30% in the steelmaking process, RITE is working with
Nippon Steel Corporation to upgrade the chemical ab-

3. Solid sorbent method for CO2 capture

sorption method. The chemical absorbent and process

Unlike a chemical absorbent in which amines are dis-developed by the COURSE50 project was adopted bysolved in a solvent, such as water, a solid sorbent is one

the energy-saving CO2 capture facility ESCAP® of Nip-in which amines are supported on a porous material,

pon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., which was commercial-

such as silica or activated carbon. In the process using aized in 2014.

solid sorbent, the heat of vaporization and sensible heat

ESCAP® Unit 1 was constructed on the premises of
Muroran Works for general industrial use, including

caused by the solvent can be suppressed, so reductionof CO2 capture energy can be expected.

beverages. This is the world's first commercial facility
using the chemical absorption method for the combustion exhaust gas from a hot blast furnace at a steelworks
as a CO2 source. In 2018, ESCAP® Unit 2 started operation at the Niihama Nishi Thermal Power Station. This is
the first commercial facility in Japan to capture CO2 by
the chemical absorption method from the combustion
exhaust gas of coal-fired power generation as the CO2
source. The recovered CO2 is used as a raw material in a

Fig. 2 Liquid absorbent and solid sorbent

45

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2022

In 2010, RITE started the development of solid

Currently, RITE is proceeding with the production ofsorbent materials for CO2 capture from the combustionsolid absorbents on a 100 m3 scale optimized on theexhaust gas of coal-fired power plants (METI consign-basis of the results of the scale-up synthesis of solid ab-

ment project). In the fundamental research phase (FYsorbents and bench scale tests for pilot scale tests. We

2010–2014), we succeeded in developing a new amine

are also elucidating the material deterioration mecha-

suitable for solid sorbents, and in a laboratory scale test,

nism, developing deterioration prevention technology,

we obtained the prospect of capture energy of 1.5 GJ/t-

and studying efficient operating conditions using pro-

CO2 or less. This solid sorbent system is an innovativecess simulation technology.

material that enables not only low energy capture but
also a low temperature process at 60°C. Compared to

4. Membrane separation

other businesses that use amine-based solid absor-

CO2 separation by membranes involves the selective

bents, this business is at the top level globally in terms

permeation of CO2 from the pressure difference be-of low-temperature regeneration.

tween the feed side and the permeate side of the mem-

In

the

practical

application

researchphase

brane. So, CO2 capture at low cost and with low energy(METI/NEDO consignment project) from FY 2015 tois expected by applying the membrane processes to2019 with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., as a partner,

pre-combustion (Fig. 4). For this reason, we are cur-scale-up synthesis of solid absorbent (>10 m ), benchrently developing novel CO2 selective membrane mod-scale test (>5 t-CO2/day), and real-gas exposure tests atules that effectively separate CO2 during the IGCC pro-a coal-fired power plant were conducted.

cess.

3

Fig. 3 Development roadmap of solid sorbent method forCO2 capture

In 2020, RITE was adopted by the NEDO commissioned
project with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. In this project, with the cooperation of Kansai Electric Power Co.,
Ltd., a pilot scale test facility (– 40 t-CO2/day) will be
constructed at the Maizuru power plant, and CO2 capture tests from the combustion exhaust gas emitted

Fig. 4 Schematic of the IGCC process with CO2 capture by
CO2 selective membrane modules

We found that novel polymeric membranes composed of dendrimer/polymer hybrid materials (termedmolecular gate membranes) exhibited excellent CO2/H2
separation performance. Fig. 5 presents a schematicthat summarizes the working principles of a moleculargate membrane.

from the coal-fired power plant will start in 2022.

46

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Group

Fig. 5 Schematic illustration of the working principles of

RITE Today 2022

Fig. 6 CO2 selective membrane, membrane element, andmembrane module.

the molecular gate membrane

Membrane element: The structure with a large mem-

Under humidified conditions, CO2 reacts with theamino groups in the membrane to form either carbamate or bicarbonate, which then blocks the passage of
H2. Consequently, the amount of H2 diffusing to thebrane area composed of the membrane, support, andspacer.
Membrane module: The structure in which the membrane element is placed.

other side of the membrane is greatly reduced, and highconcentrations of CO2 can be obtained. A poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer matrix is used for pressure durability and to immobilize the dendrimers.
We developed new types of dendrimer/polymer hybrid membranes that provide superior separation of
CO2/H2 gas mixtures. Based on this work, the Molecular
Gate Membrane module Technology Research Association (MGMTRA consists of the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth [RITE] and a privatecompany) is researching new membranes, membraneelements (Fig. 6), and membrane separation systems.
Based on the achievements of the project by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan,
the CO2 Separation Membrane Module Research andDevelopment Project (FY 2011–2014) and CO2 Separation Membrane Module Practical Research and Development Project (FY 2015–2018), we developed themembranes with large areas using a continuous mem-brane-forming method while developing membrane elements in the NEDO project, CO2 Separation Membrane
Module Practical Research and Development (FY 2018–2021). As a result, two-inch and four-inch membraneelements with enough pressure durability (2.4 MPa)
were successfully prepared. In addition, we conductedpre-combustion CO2 capture tests of the four-inch
membrane elements using coal gasification gas, and it
was confirmed that the membrane elements were durable against the real gas (containing impurities, such as
H2S).
In the new NEDO project, CO2 Separation Membrane
System Practical Research and Development/Development of CO2-H2 membrane separation systems using
high-performance CO2 separation membrane modules,
we plan to conduct the practical research and development to improve the separation performance and durability of the membrane elements, to scale up the membrane modules and to design the membrane systems

47

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Group

suitable for the CO2 utilization process based on the re-

RITE Today 2022

in the atmosphere (Fig. 8).

sults of the previous projects.

5. CO2 capture technology from the atmosphere
RITE has been conducting a national project in the
NEDO Moonshot R&D Project with the development of
a highly effective direct CO2 capture method from airand carbon recycling technologies in collaboration with
Kanazawa University and private companies. This project is a part of the Environment Innovation Strategy
launched by the Japanese government in 2020 that

Fig. 8 New designed lab test equipment for DAC

aims to establish technologies that enable Beyond Zeroby 2050.

In order to realize an economically acceptable DAC,

A method of capturing CO2 directly from the atmos-

not only material development but also process devel-

phere called Direct Air Capture (DAC) is one of the neg-

opment is important. We introduce a simulation tech-

ative emission technologies. Seven research themes on

nology to reveal the most suitable process without

DAC have been adopted in the Moonshot R & D Project.

chemical/time

Fig. 7 shows our R & D items and a carbon cycle society

friendly development technique will be also used in theas our goal.

Moonshot R&D Project.

consuming.

This

environmentally

6. CO2 fixation
CO2 fixation (CO2 mineralization) has the same basic
concept as enhanced weathering, which is one of negative emission technologies. It is a technology that reacts CO2 with alkaline earth metals and immobilizes it
as a chemically stable carbonate, which is attracting attention as a CO2 fixation technology that does not affectFig. 7 Development of highly efficient DAC and carbon
recycling technologies

RITE is trying to synthesize new amines suitable for
DAC and transform solid sorbents into low-pressure
drop structured materials. Developed materials aretested in the actual air around RITE. Because of the dayto-day variations in the local atmosphere’s conditions,
we designed new equipment to control and test the effects of temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration

the ecosystem. Especially in recent years, early implementation of the CO2 fixation by using by-products andwastes containing alkaline earth metals is expected tobuild a sustainable society.
RITE developed a unique process over many years.
From 2020, two Japanese private companies and RITE
set up a study group to target steel slag and waste concrete and then use alkaline earth metals extracted fromthese for use with the CO2 emitted from factories andother facilities. We are cooperating in the developmentof technology for recovering as carbonates, which is a48

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Groupstable compound, by reacting with CO2 (Fig. 9).

RITE Today 2022

and propose CO2 separation and recovery technologies
that can save more energy and reduce costs.
In particular, in sustainable development scenarios
for decarbonization in the future, it is said that the contribution of CO2 capture from natural gas and biomass
combustion will increase, and negative emission technologies, such as DACCS, are also required. Therefore,
in the future, it is necessary to proceed with technological development so that it can handle these lower-con-Fig. 9 CO2 fixation as carbonates

centration CO2 emission sources. As the CO2 concentration decreases, the amount of gas to be treated in-

7. Conclusioncreases and the high oxygen concentration also in-

As stated above, the Chemical Research Group has

creases. Therefore, it will be important to develop ma-

energetically promoted the development of CO2 sepa-

terials with lower cost and higher deterioration re-ration and recovery technology mainly as the chemical

sistance and system development corresponding toabsorption method, the solid sorbent method, andthem.

membraneseparation.

Thechemicalabsorption

method has been deployed from the demonstration
stage to commercial machines for blast furnace exhaustgas and combustion exhaust gas from coal-fired power
plants and has already been put to practical use as a
CO2 separation and recovery technology. In the solid
sorbent method, we have begun studying combustion
exhaust gas from coal-fired power plants for a 40 tCO2/day scale pilot test, which is planned for FY 20232024. In membrane separation, we confirmed the separation ability of CO2 and H2 in an actual gas test using amembrane element from coal gasification gas. In addition, we are working on the development DAC technology newly adopted in NEDO's Moonshot R&D Project
and CO2 fixation technology using steel slag and waste
concrete.
The Chemistry Research Group will work vigorously
on individual research topics with these themes. For thethemes close to the practical stage, we will carry out
scale-up studies and actual gas tests with the aim of establishing the technology at an early stage. At the sametime, we would like to develop innovative technologies

49

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

CO2 Storage Research Group
Members (As of Dec.2021)
Ziqiu Xue, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Kenji Uchida, Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Satoru Yokoi, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Takasu, Associate Chief Researcher
Takahiro Nakajima, Associate Chief Researcher
Takeshi Myoi, Associate Chief Researcher
Ryozo Tanaka, Associate Chief Researcher
Tsutomu Hashimoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Saeko Mito, Senior Researcher
Tetsuma Toshioka, Senior Researcher
Osamu Takano, Senior Researcher
Keisuke Uchimoto, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Komaki, Senior Researcher
Atsushi Ibusuki, Senior Researcher
Yuji Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Yi Zhang, Senior Researcher
Hyuck Park, Senior Researcher
Jiro Suekuni, Senior Researcher

Kazuhito Tokita, Senior Researcher
Satoko Fuchikami, Chief
Kimiko Nakanishi, Chief
Takayuki Miyoshi, Researcher
Masafumi Kotani, Researcher
Takeya Nagata, Researcher
Rasha Amer, Researcher
Hiroto Yoshikawa, Researcher
Jinrong Cao, Researcher
Ryota Okimoto, Researcher
Hirokazu Ishige, Researcher
Tamaki Sato, Researcher
Junko Hirai, Research AssistantShiori Tsuji, Research AssistantYuko Himi, Research AssistantAkemi Nishide, Research Assistant
Megumi Okumichi, Research Assistant
Tokio Sasai, Research Assistant
Nae Hidaka, Research AssistantTechnology Demonstration, Knowledge Sharing and Non-technicalSupport for Implementation toward Commercial Deployment of
Geological CO2 Storage
1. Introduction

ject funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technol-With the successful projects of CO2 capture andogy Development Organization (NEDO), called “Re-storage (CCS) from natural gas processing, Sleipner

search and Development of CO2 Storage Technology

and Snøhvit in Norway, CCS has been considered a key

to implement safe CCS”. The project has been address-

feasible measure to mitigate global warming. Recently,

ing the development of technologies for safety man-large-scale CCS projects have been planned and com-agement, efficient injection and effective resource uti-

menced in the United States (in the North America),

lization for large-scale CO2 reservoirs, including theCanada and Australia.

non-technical support for facilitating social implemen-

Japan has successfully completed a 10,000 ton CO2tation and deployment of CCS. Our outstanding out-

injected pilot project in Nagaoka, Niigata, followed bycomes up to now are the safety management system

a 300,000 ton CO2 injected demonstration project infor injection; the optical fiber measurement technolo-

Tomakomai, Hokkaido.

gy for strain, acoustic and temperature; the microbub-

Commercial deployment of large-scale CO2 geologi-

ble CO2 injection technology.

cal storage requires safe injection and storage of more

Based on these outcomes, the CO2 Storage Researchthan 1 Mt/y. The CO2 Storage Research Group as aGroup has moved forward in 2021 toward commercial

member of the Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage

deployment of CCS by technology demonstration, im-Technology Research Association has conducted a pro-provement of economics, risk mitigation, and facilita-

50

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

tion of implementation. Regarding the technology

when installing the optical fiber cable along the well-demonstration, we have been applying and verifying

bore. Moreover, the DFOS can work as a multi-sensor

our optical fiber measurement technology at large-

system to capture temperatures, strains and acoustics

scale storage sites overseas. For the improvement ofsimultaneously by installing multiple optical fibers to-

economics and risk mitigation, we have been develop-

gether. The system is potentially much cheaper than a

ing a new measure to enable a comprehensive investi-

case where many sensors are installed.

gation of the storage opportunity in Japan, which iscalled CO2 Storage Resource Management, SRM.
The CO2 Research Group has been compiling thePractical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage as refer-

The CO2 Storage Research Group has been developing the technology of the optical fiber measurementand demonstrating it in the field in Japan and overseas
as below.

ence manual for CCS developers. It will be available forTwo conventional designs of optical fiber cable havedevelopers and usable for their overseas deployment

been used for optical fiber measurements. One is theof CCS. Furthermore, our group has been developing

Telephone line type, which consists of multiple opticalframeworks for creation of social consensus (Social

fibers covered by soft resin, and the other is the Ar-

License to Operate, SLO) by advancing conventionalmored type, which outer jacket made of twisted wires.

Public Acceptance (PA) and Public Outreach (PO) ap-

We have designed a noble optical fiber cable for better

proaches. We have a plan to apply and demonstrateinstallation and sensitivity that contains multiple fibers

our SLO methodology for domestic CCS deploymentfilled with resin in a stemless tube, called the SUS tube

at a full scale.

type.

The CO2 Research Group continues to contribute to

The performance of the new cable was tested and

CCS deployment not only by technical demonstrations

compared to the other two conventional cable types

for commercial deployment but also by sharing ourby the Water Injection test in a domestic site. The test

knowledge and facilitating the social implementation

was conducted by installing three cables of a differentof CCS.

type to a well while injecting water to another well
nearby. Fig.1 shows the test result. The new cable is

2. Major Research Topics and Outcomes

more sensitive than the other conventional cables to

2.1. Optical fiber measurement technology develop-

monitor the minute geological strain caused by inject-ment and demonstration

ing water.

For ensuring safe CO2 geological storage, it is essential to monitor the location of injected CO2 plume, thedeformation of geological formation induced by pressure rises, and the area of pressure propagation.
One of the suitable technologies to enable thesemonitoring is the Distributed Fiber Optical Sensing(DFOS). DFOS technology is capable of acquiring spatially continuous data because the optical fiber itself isthe sensing receiver. This feature of the DFOS enables
monitoring of the deep direction continuous data

51

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

We have been demonstrating our DFOS to monitor
deformation of seabed surface by installing the opticalfiber cables in a shallow seashore of German offshoreby joining the international cooperation project andsharing information with several research partners including the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI).

2.2. Development of Storage Resource Management(SRM) System
The Storage Resource Management System (SRM) isa measure of the improvements in storability and ecoFig. 1 Strain of Geological Formation by Water Injection
Test for different types of optical fiber cablenomics of CCS. Two main subjects are;- Accomplish an effective utilization method of geological storage capacity (resource) for large-scale

The demonstration of our DFOS has been conductedat three overseas sites for different purposes through2023.
We will monitor the behavior of injected CO2 in ad-

CO2 reservoirs.
- Develop an economic assessment tool to estimate
overall CCS business costs including risk costs associated with operations.

dition to the stability of formation and the integrity ofwell by applying the DFOS at the large-scale CO2 injec-

Fig. 2 shows the scope of the SRM system in terms

tion site in North Dakota, USA. We have installed theof a CCS business covering the entire CCS value chain

optical fiber cable to the wellbore, enabling us tofrom capture, transport and storage. This includes amonitor CO2 injection. By demonstrating our DFOS attime sequence from a screening of regional potential

the large-scale site, we will complete the development

to long-term management after the closure of CO2of measurement technologies: multiple sensing, Dis-

storage sites. The economic assessment tool will be

tributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Vertical Seismic

developed to estimate overall CCS business costs in-

Profiling (VSP).

cluding risk costs associated with operations.

At the site in Australia, a demonstration test using
our DFOS for monitoring formation stability has been
conducted. We will monitor CO2 migration along shallow faults and deep formation stability by installing theoptical fiber cable in the well near the faults.

52

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

Fig. 2 Scope of SRM system in CCS business

Both the proper selection of CO2 storage sites andhealth. SPE SRMS provides classification framework forthe effective utilization of reservoirs are pivotal factors

accounting the storage capacity of CO2 from “undis-in the economic assessment. Our group has been ad-

covered” to “commercial”. While it provides genericdressing the following technical developments;

guidelines, uncertainties in geological evaluation and- Geological modeling for large scale reservoir.

technical risks associated with selected sites must be- Techniques of optimizing a layout of CO2 injection

handled based on each CCS business project.

wells and pressure management wells.
- Methodology of CO2 behavior simulation andlong-term prediction.

It is crucial to consider the origin of geological formation in order to estimate uncertainties in geologicalevaluation. RITE’s CO2 geological storage potential

The measure to evaluate and manage storage re-survey (Fig. 3) is the existing geological information

sources will be built by expanding these technical ele-that concludes the estimation of CO2 storage quantity

ments.

utilizing base data of oil and gas resource exploration

For the establishment of the effective utilization of

conducted (RITE, 2006). It was derived from the distri-reservoirs, we refer to the international standard, ISObution of deep saline aquifers at depths below 800 m

27914: 2017 Carbon dioxide capture, transportation

where CO2 is in a supercritical state. Deep saline aqui-and geological storage - Geological storage and CO2

fers are consisted of alternation of sand and mud. Due

Storage Resources Management System （SRMS） by

to uncertainties in homogeneity and continuity of geo-

Society of Petroleum Engineers （SPE, 2017）. ISO 27914

logical formation, detailed investigation needs to be

defines the requirements and recommendations to

conducted. Advancing the investigation of uncertain-

facilitate safe and long-term sequestration of CO2 inties will update the storage resource data more pre-deploying commercial CCS that minimize the risks tocisely.

the environments, natural resources and human53

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

Fig. 4 Concept of the Early Realization CCS Business Model.

Fig. 3 Distribution map of anticline structure in Japanby base physical exploration survey.

2.3. Creation of Social Consensus, Knowledge Sharing
and Technical Support to Deploy CCS
The deployment of CCS at scale requires frameworks

The distance between a CO2 storage site and an

for CCS business, public understanding and social con-emission facility is a key factor in determining thesensus as well as technology advancement and com-mode and cost of CO2 transportation, which impacts

mercialization. To support CCS business, our research

the economics of CCS business. Low cost and Low risk

group has compiled guidance for developing an Inci-

business models have been investigated by matchingdent Response Protocol for CCS developers and op-

nearby emission sources with several assumed storage

erators (Japan Specific IRP) and has been producing

sites selected based on geological data and storage

Practical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage. To en-

capacity estimation (Fig. 4). This business model inves-

hance public understanding and create consensus intigation is aligned with the business development thatsociety, we have also been working on the develop-

will gradually expand as described in the METI report.

ment of frameworks for creation of social consensus

However, there are data gaps in some regions for as-(Social License to Operate, SLO).

suming storage sites and different kinds and volumesof emission sources (coal-fired power plant, iron and2.3.1. Incident Response Protocol (Japan Specific IRP)

steel, chemical plant). By identifying several candidates

It is essential to have clear procedures and plans, i.e.

for CCS business site, our group will share knowledge

protocols at hand, for the case where any incident oc-

of geological survey in the regions and propose CCS

curs in order to secure security, to take appropriate

business models that enable early deployment. In ad-

emergency response in a geological CO2 storage oper-

dition, the cost estimation tool for CCS business will beation and also to retain public support. An incident isdeveloped. All CCS value chains (capture, transport

defined here as an event which has risks to delay orand storage) will be taken into account in the tool forinterrupt geological CO2 storage development andcalculating overall CCS business cost. It will contribute

operation. Potential incidents include abnormality into the development of financing and insurance for CCS

operation such as those in wells and CO2 reservoir;

business.

events that can cause abnormality in operation such as
intensified earthquakes, typhoons and identification of54

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

unknown faults; adverse impacts on subsurface andteam based on the level and then takes appropriate

the external environment such as the deformation oftechnical and social responses to the emergency. The

formations and surface, CO2 leakage and induced

technical responses include investigation and monitor-

seismicity; and adverse impacts on the ecosystems,

ing of the incident; remediation of portion where inci-

resources and assets such as changes in the ecosys-

dent occurs; and mitigation, prevention and restora-

tems, CO2 contamination in drinking water, damage totion of the effect. The social responses include corre-human lives, health and houses. (See Fig. 5)

spondence with administrative organizations; andWe call incident response protocols for CCS devel-

communications with local stakeholders, the general

opers and operators to conduct a geological CO2 stor-

public and mass media. The guidance contains a num-

age project in Japan as a Japan Specific IRP and haveber of examples for responses to each listed potential

developed guidance for developing one.

incident.

For the Japan Specific IRP, we define three emer-

As a complement to the Japan Specific IRP, we havegency levels in accordance with degree of impacts on

produced a Q&A book. The book covers answers

the external environment. Level 1 is when there is nobased on scientific evidences to anticipated questions

adverse effect derived from the emergency; Level 2 isregarding to impacts of earthquakes on CO 2 reservoir,

when adverse effect may appear if the situation be-

seismicity induced by CO2 storage operation, effects ofcomes worse; and Level 3 is when there is being ad-

CO2 leakage on human, living organism and the envi-

verse effect. When incident happens, the developer orronment.

operator judges an emergency level, forms a response

Fig. 5 Emergency Categories and Examples of Incidents55

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

2.3.2. Practical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage

sensus. Our research group has therefore been devel-

As a reference manual for developers and operatorsof CCS in Japan, our research group has been develop-

oping methodology for the creation of social consensus (SLO).

ing a Practical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage to

What is essential in implementation of CCS is sup-summarize domestic and foreign case examples re-port from the local community. To get local support

garding to geological CO2 storage.

and consensus, it is critical to make well communica-

The guidance consists of eight chapters based ontions between local stakeholders and CCS developers/

the phases of geological CO2 storage development

operators. In overseas cases, it is recommended toand operation: Basic Plan; Site Selection; Site Charac-

start two-way communications at an early stage. The

terization; Implementation Plan; Design and Construc-two-way communications is different from communi-tion; Operation and Management; Site Closure; andcations where a developer/ operator explains theirPost-closure Management. The Chapter 1 on Basic

project to the local unilaterally and requests them toPlan was completed, available on our website in Octo-

accept it. It does mean that local people share theirber 2021.

opinions, thoughts and concerns with the developer/

The aim of basic planning is to get understanding ofoperator and as a result mutual understanding anda project from stakeholders by presenting its overview

mutual trust are built. There have been a number ofat a phase of project initiation. What to examine, plan

proposed two-way communications methods. Our

and accomplish in the basic planning are diversified,research group is examining how the developer/ oper-

ranging from technical aspects to economic, legal andator should communicate with whom in the local

social aspects. The Chapter 1 of the guidance shows all

community at each phase of a project. We are also

phases in the whole of project planning and outlines

analyzing economic ripple effects generated by theeach of the phases.

project to the local.

The guidance summarizes relevant domestic andConsensus in society does not just mean simply that

foreign legal and regulatory frameworks and clarifies

local people and general public accept CCS. In society

timings of permission and authorization required. For

there are diversified stakeholders from local residents

economics, it presents an overview of project costs

and general public through investors and policy-

and breakdown costs of an oversea project. In addi-

makers to the developer/operator. Different fromtion, the document touches upon an overview of how

many other non-CCS projects, CCS itself generates noto consider risk management and public outreach andprofit so that consensus among investors, policy-

public acceptance (PO/PA).

makers and the developer/ operator requires incen-

Chapter 2 to 8 describe each of the phases in detail,tives as mechanisms to deliver business case. We arewhich will be published one by one. In order for them

therefore examining incentives in other countries toto be used overseas, their English versions are being

design those suitable for Japan. We are also making

compiled and will be publicly available.

analysis on costs of CCS projects. Through studies suchas cost analysis for overseas projects, we are investi-

2.3.3. Creation of Social Consensus for CCS Implemen-gating breakdown of costs and their yearly changes.

tation (SLO)
Implementation of CCS in society needs social con-56

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2022

References
1)

ISO (2017) ISO 27914: 2017 Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage —Geological storage,
https://www.iso.org/standard/64148.html

2)

SPE (2017) CO2 Storage Resources Management
System,https://www.spe.org/en/industry/co2-

storage-resources-management-system/
3)

RITE (2006) Research report on CO2 Geological
Storage (in Japanese)

4)

METI (2020) Research report on Investigation of
CCS deployment in Japan (in Japanese).

5)Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology
Research Association (2021) Practical Guidancefor Geological CO2 Storage, Phase 1 Overview of
Geological CO2 Storage, https://www.co2choryukumiai.or.jp/co2/ (This URL is available in Japanese. English version is under construction.)57

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Center

RITE Today 2022

Inorganic Membranes Research Center
Members (As of Dec. 2021)
Shin-ichi Nakao, Director of the Center, Chief Researcher
Kumiko Konishi, Deputy-Director, Chief Researcher
Hidetoshi Kita, Chief Researcher
Masahiro Seshimo, Senior Researcher
Kazuyuki Kitamura, Senior Researcher
Makoto Ryoji, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Ito, Researcher
Lie Meng, Researcher

Hiromi Urai, Research AssistantYuko Nara, Research AssistantKazuaki Sasa, Research AssistantNobuaki Oono, Research AssistantChiyoko Shindo, Research Assistant
Akiyoshi Fujii, Research AssistantKeiko Komono, Research AssistantResearch and Development of Innovative Environmental and Energy
Technologies that Use Inorganic Membranes and Efforts for Practical
Use and Industrialization
1. Introduction
The Paris Agreement began full-scale operation in

be an innovative technology that greatly contributes tothe reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

2020, and in October, 2050 Carbon Neutral was de-

The Inorganic Membrane Research Center (IMeRC)

clared in Japan as well. In order to achieve this goal, itaims for the early practical use and industrialization ofis necessary to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emis-

innovative environmental and energy-saving technolo-

sions and realize carbon recycling that utilizes CO 2 as agies using inorganic membranes. The organization isresource.

composed of two departments, the Research Depart-

Inorganic membranes of silica, zeolite, and palladium

ment and the Industrial Cooperation Department, in or-

have the features of excellent mechanical strength andder to promote activities with research and develop-

heat and chemical resistance compared to polymer

ment and industrial collaboration.

membranes. In addition, by using a membrane reactor

In the Research Department, membrane reactors forthat uses the inorganic membrane, energy consump-carbon capture and utilization (CCU) are developed us-

tion is significantly reduced compared to conventionaling silica, zeolite, and palladium membranes, whichpacked-bed reactors that require separation and purifi-

have unique characteristics, respectively. We mainly de-cation processes of distillation and adsorption. It also

velop two-types of membrane reactors for synthesis of

has the potential to simplify the process. Based on thesemethanol and liquid hydrocarbon fuel via captured CO2.

excellent characters of inorganic membranes, as a tech-

In the case of liquid hydrocarbon fuel, CO2 directly cap-

nology that can realize an innovative production pro-tured from the air is the raw material. In addition, we arecess, research is underway on the application of thealso conducting research on hydrogen production by

membranes as an alternative to distillation and the ef-

direct decomposition of methane for the purpose offective use of captured CO2. Furthermore, the develop-

CO2-free and low-cost hydrogen production.

ment of hydrogen permselective membranes for CO2-

In the Industrial Collaboration Department, the In-

free and low-cost hydrogen production, which is indis-

dustrialization Strategy Council, which consists of 18

pensable for building a hydrogen society, is expected to58

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Center

RITE Today 2022

companies of inorganic membrane and porous-sub-

Adopted as a contract project of NEDO in FY 2019,

strate manufacturers and user companies, aims to sharethe objective was follows: a) development of a high hy-

the vision among manufacturers and user companies bydrogen permselective membrane with durability underplanning joint research. Member companies have regu-

high temperature conditions (>500°C), b) development

lar opportunities to share ideas and promote activities

of a catalyst that activates at relatively low reaction tem-through study groups.

peratures for the membrane reactor, and c) the devel-

This paper introduces the main achievements and fu-

opment of membrane reactors consisting of a hydrogenture prospects of the research division, such as CCU

separation membrane and a catalyst with a demonstra-technology development and hydrogen production

tion of their effectiveness. (Fig. 2)

from methane, and the status of the activities of the Industrialization Strategy Council.

Fig. 2 Application of a membrane reactor to the hydrogenproduction process from methane decomposition

For the development of a hydrogen permselective
Fig. 1 Promotion system of IMReC

membrane in a), silica and palladium membranes are
candidates. We have succeeded in developing a hydro-

2. Development of CO2-free hydrogen production tech-

gen permselective membrane having high H2 perme-

nology from methane decomposition

ance and heat resistance at 723 K. Both of the silica andTo realize a society that relies on hydrogen, a method

palladium membranes were showed over 5 x 10-7 molis required to produce hydrogen at low cost and in large

m-2 s-1 Pa-1 of H2 permeance, and 3,000 of H2 selectivity.

quantities. With the focus on methane, which can be

These results were exceeded the final goal of this pro-stably supplied for a long time because of the shale gas

ject. In addition, Ni/Fe/Al2O3 as a catalyst for methane

revolution, hydrogen and solid carbon are produced bydecomposition showed relatively high catalytic activity

pyrolysis, and hydrogen production costs can be re-at 873 K.

duced by selling the carbon. A membrane reactor,

We calculated the hydrogen production efficiency

which is applied to that reaction, could produce hydro-

and CO2 emissions using a membrane reactor for me-

gen at low cost and save on energy consumption. In ad-

thane decomposition. As shown in Fig. 3, high hydrogendition, the process has the advantage of not emitting

production efficiency and low CO2 emissions were ob-

carbon dioxide and is a technological development thattained compared with the conventional packed bed re-contributes to a decarbonized society.

actor (PBR). Compared with the CO2 emissions from the59

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Center

RITE Today 2022

methane steam reforming (SRM), which is a general hy-

membrane reactor showed 0.8 (palladium membrane),drogen production method, CO2 emissions from SRM

and 0.7 (silica membrane) at 873 K as the reaction tem-are 0.95 kg-CO2/Nm -H2, whereas methane decompo-

perature and 0.4 MPa as the reaction pressure. Com-sition using the membrane reactor is 0.2 kg-CO2/Nm3-

pared to a packed bed reactor, both membrane reactors

H2. The CO2 emissions from this membrane reactor canobtained higher methane conversion. On the otherbe suppressed to about 1/5.

hand, in the case of a reaction temperature of 773 K,

3

methane conversion using a membrane reactor was approximately the same as when using a packed bed reactor. It is assumed that the Ni/Fe/Al2O3 catalyst
showed low catalytic activity at 773 K. Thus, these results propose that the development of a catalyst having
higher catalytic activity in lower reaction temperatures
is indispensable. This is one of the major issues in thedevelopment of membrane reactors using inorganic
membranes and is not limited to methane decomposition. In the future, the research and development of amembrane reactor should be promoted by integrating
catalyst development and membrane development.

Fig. 3 Calculation results of effect to apply the membranereactor for methane decomposition.
a) Hydrogen production efficiency, b) CO2 emission.

Fig. 4 shows results of the membrane reactor tests
using palladium and silica membranes as hydrogenpermselective membranes. A broken line in this figure

Fig. 4 Effect of methane conversion increasing using membrane reactor.

shows methane conversion using the packed bed reactor, and a solid line shows the maximum methane con-

3. CO2 utilization technologies in RITE

version theoretically obtained using the membrane re-

Recently, CO2 utilization technologies have been ac-

actor. From these results, methane conversion using thetively researched and developed in countries around60

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Center

RITE Today 2022

the world, including the EU, as being effective in reduc-

pected to be one of the highly efficient methanol pro-ing CO2 emissions. On the other hand, in the hydro-

duction processes.

genation of CO2, water is generated by the reaction,

At the RITE Inorganic Membranes Research Center,

which decreases the reaction rate. In addition, most re-we successfully developed a novel hydrophilic zeolite

actions are exothermic, and the removal of the reaction

membrane, which has higher hydrothermal stability andheat is one of the problems. In order to solve thesewater/methanol permselectivity compared to the con-problems, highly efficient, energy-saving CO2 utilization

ventional LTA-type zeolite membrane. This membrane

technology has been developed at the Inorganic Mem-

was applied to the membrane reactor for methanol syn-branes Research Center using a membrane reactor.

thesis, and CO2 conversion was achieved at a rate threetimes higher compared to the conventional packed-bed

3.1. Development of effective methanol synthesis fromreactor at a reaction temperature of 473 K and a reac-

CO2 hydrogenation

tion pressure of 4 MPa.

Methanol is an important intermediate for chemical

In near future, we will improve dehydration zeolite

products, and demand is expected to grow in the future.

membrane performance, and produce a membrane

Methanol is mainly synthesized using syn-gas (mixture

having a higher effective membrane area. A new projectgases of CO and H2); however, synthesis requires highfor that purpose was adopted in 2021.

temperatures and high pressures. Generally, Cu/ZnObased catalysts are used with the reaction within the

3.2. Development of liquid hydrocarbon fuel synthesis

temperature range of 473–573 K. On the other hand,

technology using CO2 as a raw material captured fromthe one-pass yield shows low values owing to equilib-

the airrium limitations. This is remarkable in the methanol syn-

Liquid hydrocarbon fuels by recycling CO2 throughthesis from CO2 hydrogenation represented by the fol-the existing infrastructures for transportation and stor-

lowing reaction formula.

age have a lower cost than new fuels, so they should be

CO2 + 3H2 ⇄ CH3OH (methanol) + H2O

established to achieve carbon neutrality. The NEDO
project Moonshot Research & Development Program

CO2 emission reduction potential can be expected at

was adopted in collaboration with Kanazawa University

about 100 million tons/year (assuming demand metha-and the RITE Chemical Research Group in 2020. At thenol production of 50 million tons/year) when methanol

IMeRC, we accepted the challenge of developing the

production process will change to that via CO2 as thetechnology to convert the captured CO2 into liquid hy-

raw material. Thus, highly efficient methanol synthesis

drocarbon fuel by FT (Fischer-Tropsch) synthesis (Fig. 5).

processes from CO2 have been required. If the produced

Similar to methanol synthesis, the water produced fromwater is removed from the methanol synthesis reaction

the reaction causes catalyst deactivation and a reaction

system, it can be improved to a one-pass yield with syn-rate reduction in FT synthesis. Another problem is thethesized methanol at a relatively mild condition of lower

difficult reaction control for liquid fuel because thereaction pressure and temperature. The membrane re-product followed the ASF (Anderson-Schulz-Flory) dis-

actor with the water permselective membrane is ex-

tribution.

61

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Center

RITE Today 2022

Fig. 5 Overview of the Moonshot project at RITE

Therefore, in this project, we will develop high effi-

The membrane reactor for FT synthesis was designed

ciency, energy-saving CO2 utilization technology fromand will be put into operation. A simulation model was

the CO2 captured from the air as the raw material for

constructed prior to the experiments, and it was con-the membrane reactor. Research and development

firmed that the membrane reactor can obtain a higher

items are as follows.

CO2 conversion rate than the conventional catalyst-a) Development of membranes applicable to FT syn-packed bed reactor.

thesisb) Development of a membrane reactor for FT synthesisc) Search for the optimal process structure

In the future, we will make the best use of theknowledge we acquired and strongly promote the development of inorganic membranes and membrane reactors applicable to FT synthesis. We then intend to unravel the science of inorganic membranes that we have

The target membranes are hydrophilic membranes

left unattended.

and hydrogen permselective membranes. Catalyst deactivation can be suppressed if the generated water can

4. Activities and efforts toward commercialization andbe removed from the reaction side by using a hydro-

industrialization

philic membrane, such as zeolite. Furthermore, the re-

The core of the Industrial Collaboration Department

action can be controlled by supplying H2 to the reactionof the IMeRC is the Industrialization Strategy Council. A

field via hydrogen permselective membranes, such as

total of 18 separation membrane and support manufac-

silica and palladium. We succeeded in developing theturers and user companies (as of January 2022) partici-

Si-rich LTA-type zeolite membrane with improved hy-

pate on this council. Our goal is to establish an inorganic

drothermal stability compared to the conventional LTA-

membrane industry that contributes to innovative envi-

type zeolite membrane. We are also involved in the de-ronmental and energy technologies by promoting avelopment of silica membranes with excellent hydrogencommon vision for manufacturers and user companies,

permselectivity.

62

R&D Activities ● Inorganic Membranes Research Centeras well as a joint research plan involving national projects and other initiatives.
We are promoting a variety of activities, which include
the following:

RITE Today 2022

We also held a seminar for council members online.
There were lectures from universities, member companies, membrane-related companies, etc. on the latest R& D trends and introduction of needs, seeds, practicala) Sponsoring needs and seeds matching meetings

development cases of membranes, and lively questions,

toward the practical use of innovative environmen-

answer. In addition, we conduct patent and literature

tal and energy technologies that use inorganic

searches related to the content of the lecture, and reg-

membranes, and the establishment and operation

ularly provide members with needs seeds informationof a research group that will prepare the futurewith comments from the IMeRC in the summary.

roadmapb) Planning joint implementation projects funded by
the government and NEDO

5. In conclusion
In November 2021, the Inorganic Membrane Envi-c) Acceptance of researchers from council membersronment and Energy Technology Symposium to Explore

to the Research Section of the IMeRC and the im-

the Future was held online for the first time in two years

plementation of training workshopswith the attendance of 389 people. At this symposium,d) Offering technical guidance from the IMeRC Advi-

under the theme of carbon recycling, universities andsory Board and Research Section

companies gave lectures on the latest trends in CO 2e) Hosting exclusive technology seminars for council

separation / recovery / effective utilization, carbon cycle

membersf) Offering exclusive supply services (Needs and Seeds
Technology Information) to council members

technology and efforts toward practical application. We
introduced the latest research results of the IMeRC andthe efforts of the Industrialization Strategy Council.
The audience commented that they were able toIn 2021, because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus,

deepen their understanding of carbon recycling, as well

we had to refrain from face-to-face activities, but we ac-

as understand the specific efforts toward practical use

tively promoted study group activities and seminars us-

and the effectiveness of inorganic membranes in sepa-

ing the Web.

ration technology.

Two study groups, the Membrane Reaction Process

The need for innovative environmental and energy

Study Group and the Common Infrastructure (Perfor-

technology development that contributes to decarbon-

mance Evaluation) Study Group, have started new stud-ization is increasing toward 2050 carbon neutrality. As

ies. The Membrane Reaction Process Study Group ex-

the IMeRC, we would like to deepen basic and appliedamined a computational platform that enables compar-

research that makes the best use of the advantages of

ative studies of performance, energy balance, and cost,

inorganic membranes, and accelerate the movement

which are indispensable for social implementation of

toward social implementation

membrane reactors. The Common Infrastructure (Performance Evaluation) Study Group conducted a basic
study toward standardization of separation membrane
performance evaluation methods with the aim of promoting the industrialization of inorganic membranes.

63Press Releases ・ Events ・ Paper, Presentation and Publication ・Other Activities

RITE Today 2022

Click the link to open the RITE website

Press Releases

EventsPaper, Presentation and Publication
Systems Analysis Group
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Chemical Research Group
CO2 Storage Research Group
Inorganic Membranes Research Center

Other Activities◆Environmental Education
Number of partici-

Date

Participants

7 Jan.

Teachers of Kyoto Prefectural Joyo High School

930 Jul.

Kyoto Prefectural Nishimaizuru High School

9

21 Oct.

Society of Physics and Chemistry Education, Kyoto

16

22 Nov.

Nara Prefectural Narakita Senior High School

20

pants

64

RITE Today

2022 Vol.17

AnnuaI Report

Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth

9-2 Kizugawadai,
Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto

URL: www.rite.or.jp
Email: pub_rite@rite.or.jp

619-0292 JAPAN
TEL.+81-774-75-2300