English

2018 Vol.13

2018 Vol.13

2018 Vol.13

2018 Vol.13

Foreword
Mitigating Global Warming through the Power of Science
Akira Onishi, Managing Director, RITE

Feature

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Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Table
Role of the Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association toward Deployment of CCS

R&D Activities
Research & Coordination Group

Outline of Research Activity in Research & Coordination Group10

Research Activities in Systems Analysis Group16

Molecular Microbiology and⃝ Development of Bioreﬁnery Technology toward a Low Carbon Society
Biotechnology Group

22

Systems Analysis Group

Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2 Capture Technologies

28

CO2 Storage Research Group ⃝ Development of Geological CO2 Storage Technology for Realizing Safe CCS at Scale

34

Inorganic Membranes
Research Center

40

Chemical Research Group

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

Topics46

Outreach Activities

54

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication

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Foreword

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Mitigating Global Warming throughthe Power of Science
Akira Onishi
Managing Director,
Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE)In November 2016, the Paris Agreement entered into force as a new international framework to combat
global climate change. In Japan, the Long-term Low-Carbon Vision was published in March 2017, and theLong-term Climate Change Policy Platform was presented in April of the same year.
We have to admit, however, that the future of the Paris Agreement is uncertain partly because the UnitedStates announced its withdrawal from the accord. In retrospect, since the issue of global warming was raisedin the previous century, it seems we have yet to determine how humanity should deal with this issue.
It may sound extreme but humanity may never become serious about tackling global warming as long as
we continue to treat this issue in a conventional way of thinking. It is thought that reducing CO2 emissions will
stiﬂe economic growth and there are political or business leaders who try to take a “free-ride" on the efforts ofother countries. Just upholding ideals is not enough in reality. In this respect, the most important thing is tomake the reduction of CO2 itself a highly proﬁtable business to become industrialized, that is, to tackle global
warming incorporating it into the system of human society. I believe that this goal can be achieved only by innovations through the power of science.
The mission of RITE is to address global warming using the power of science. Since I started working for
RITE in July last year, I often have been impressed anew with the high quality of RITE's people and research.
I am now convinced far more strongly than before that each and every one of RITE's research projects canbring innovations to global society in combating global warming
Among those research projects is one on geological CO2 storage, a technology of injecting large amountsof CO2 in geological formations deep underground. Although there are quite a few institutes working on thistechnology, RITE is highly evaluated internationally for its elaborate and untiring research activities, becomingon par with the United States and Norway, top-runners in this ﬁeld. Recently, a Saudi Arabian state-owned oilcompany showed interest in RITE's storage technology, which is expected to be widely adopted in the future.
RITE has also been conducting research on technologies for separating and capturing carbon dioxide
generated from industrial emission sources. In collaboration with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, RITE developed
a CO2 separation and capture system that boasts signiﬁcantly lower energy consumption than conventional
ones using a solid sorbent newly developed by RITE. In 2019 or later, we plan to conduct practical application
tests at Maizuru Power Plant, Kansai Electric Power.
Another innovative technology is the RITE Bioprocess, a growth-arrested bioprocess that was established after many years of R&D at RITE on Corynebacterium glutamicum. By advanced metabolic engineeringof the bacterium, biofuels and green chemicals can be efﬁciently produced. This high-yield production systemenables cost-efﬁcient processing of non-food biomass, such as rice straw and used paper, to green jet fuels,
aromatic compounds, and other bio-based products.
Besides technology development, RITE has also been conducting research on the strategies to respondglobal warming. To help society make better decisions on issues related to global warming, it is necessary topresent reasonable assessments that use various kinds of variables including demographics, industry, andtechnology. Scientiﬁc uncertainty is also taken into consideration in our analysis. RITE's analysis results havebeen provided for the policy recommendations and discussions of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other governmental organizations. The researchers at RITE also actively exchange opinions with theircounterparts around the world through collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), participation in international model inter-comparison projects, and other activities.
How we can achieve economic growth while protecting the environment is a challenge for our presentday, not the future. RITE continues to play a leading role in the endeavor to achieve this goal by using thepower of science.

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Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Table

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Role of the Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research
Association toward Deployment of CCS
The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) established the Geological Carbon dioxide
Storage Technology Research Association in April 2016 with four private companies and a national research instituteto develop Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) technology for the effective mitigation of global warming. This
association is conducting research and development into areas that include effective geological CO2 storage technology on a practical scale (one million tons of CO2 per year) which will be suitable as a storage reservoir for Japan,
technologies to improve the safety of CCS, and the development of conditions to spread the use of CCS. At board
meetings, members of this association discussed the activities of the association and its future plans and goals.

Chairman of Research Promotion Advisory Committee:
Kozo Sato Professor, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo.
President:

Kenji Yamaji Director-General, Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth(RITE)

Board Members:

Shinichi Hiramatsu Senior Executive Ofﬁcer, General Manager of Engineering Headquarters, OYO Corporation
Tetsuro Tochikawa Counselor, Technical Headquarters, INPEX CORPORATION
Yasuo Takehana Executive Ofﬁcer, President, Environment and Innovative Technology Projects Division, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.
Yusaku Yano Director General, Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Satoshi Imamura Executive Ofﬁcer, Chief of Nuclear Facilities Division, Taisei Corporation (written response)

Yamaji Now we are in the second half of the second
year since the Geological Carbon dioxide Storage
Technology Research Association was set up in April
2016. Today, board members of the association andProfessor Kozo Sato, chairman of Research Promotion Advisory Committee will have a roundtable talkabout the role of this association in developing CCS
technologies. I am looking forward to frank and candid
discussions.

■ Expected roles of the association
Yamaji First, I would like Chairman Sato to tell us
what role he expects this association to play.
Sato

Many people say that CCS has no economic

incentives, and welack experience inthis field. CCS is also
associated with concerns such as highcost and the risk of
CO2 leakage. These
opinions are basedon a wrong perspective that believes that the current situation, which is notdoing anything, is risk-free. Compared to doing nothing, CCS is more costly and risky. Since doing nothing
would impede the achievement of the 2°
C scenario
and accelerate climate change, however, it will result ina situation that carries with it much higher cost andrisks. Compared to the situation with higher costs and4

Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Tablehigher risks, proper operation of CCS to mitigate climate change means reduced risks, which consequently produces profits. There are two types of reducing thecost and risks. One is to reduce the cost and risks froman original situation that had higher cost and risks. A
second type is to keep the cost and risks low when introducing new technologies in a risk-free situation. The
goals to set for these two types will naturally differ.
CCS research is the former one. It involves research tolower cost and risks from a situation that had higher
cost and risks. I believe that we should be aware thatthe goals of CCS research will be different from thegoals of the second type. We should also pay attention
to this point when we release the outcomes of our research to gain public acceptance. For example, instead of describing how much we can reduce the cost,
we should focus on how much profit will be generated
as a result of reducing certain costs. And we should
talk about CO2 leakage in a way that gives people aheightened sense of safety rather than talking about
specific technologies that can reduce the risk of leakage.
Yamaji Thank you very much. In the first place, therole of CCS, as Chairman Sato said, was to mitigate
the significant risk of global warming. Yet, CCS also
carries some risks. Chairman Sato was saying that weshould describe them to the public in an effective way,
based on the relationship between CCS and society.
Next, I would like board members to say what madethem join this association and what they expect from it.

■ Reasons to join the association and
expectation to it
Takehana Since we are an exploration and production company, we have been conducting various kindsof technical R&D including microbubble technology,
which is relevant to accelerating the dissolution of CO2.
We think that microbubble technology is extremely
promising and we have a strong desire to complete it
and put it to practical use. RITE has been conducting
advanced research on microbubble technologies andhas accumulated a wealth of experience in this field.
Working on technological development while discussing and sharing the same goals with people from othercompanies gathered together in this association is extremely meaningful for us in achieving the goals andobjectives of our company. This is why we joined thisassociation.

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Tochikawa INPEX published a position paper titled“Response to Climate Change” in 2015. The paperemphasizes the importance of CCS and the fact that
we can and should contribute to its development. This
recognition drove us to join this association. We also
think there is a limit to the things we can achieve independently in all aspects of technological development,
not just with CCS. Our expectation in joining this research association is to maximize synergies throughstimulation within a collaborative framework and createa catalyst for development.
Hiramatsu People often think that our company only
conducts geological investigations for public enterprises. Actually, we have been working on nuclear projects
for a long time, and because of this, we have been interested in energy issues and global environmental
problems which form the background to energy issues.
We started studying global environmental issues to increase our knowledge base. We have worked on monitoring using elastic wave tomography at Nagaoka andassessed the amount of reserves in storage reservoirs
around Japan with the Engineering Advancement Association. Through these projects, we started to thinkthat logging the technologies and tomography that welearned through geological investigations for civil engineering projects as well as our knowledge of geology
might be useful in the development of CCS technologies. That was when we were invited to participate inthis association. Our company therefore decided tojoin this association to work on important future global
environmental problems.
Yano The National
Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science andTechnology (AIST)
has been involved inresearch into geological storage since it
was established in
2001. Rather, AIST
was originally 15 research institutes, and one of theresearch institutes was the Geological Survey of Japanthat had been working on CCS from when the concept
first emerged. We have a long history in geologicalstorage, because we have been participating in the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industryʼs geologicalstorage project since 2005. The technologies that wehave accumulated through these projects include geophysical monitoring, geochemical, and geomechanics

5Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Tabletechnologies. We have always believed that thesetechnologies would be useful in the future for developing geological storage. AIST decided to participate inthis association because it would be a great opportunity for all the related sectors to get together toward thedeployment of CCS, so that private companies cantake over their achievements.
Imamura Our company has been carriedout many researchesof groundwater flow
and mass transport
through the various
projects such as ourconventional construction works, soil
and groundwater remediation, geological disposal of
nuclear wastes and strategic underground storage offossil fuels. We have also developed high performancecomputational tools on CO2 migration for CCS to contribute global warming as a general contractor. We
have been cooperated with RITE through the simulation technologies to apply demonstration experiments
in Tomakomai etc. It is essential the existence of thepartners who have underground exploration techniqueor CCS storage itself. We hope to continue our R&D in
a position closer to the policymakers. We were invited
to join the association just when we were considering
the possibility of participating in a CCS storage designand construction project as a general contractor. That
is why we decided to join the association to explore
how general contractors can contribute to CCS and our
new possibilities.
Yamaji RITE used to conduct R&D with AIST. And,
companies such as Oyo Corporation have been cooperating with RITE by sending researchers and staff to
it. RITE conducted a 10,000-ton CO2 storage experiment in Nagaoka from 2003 to 2005 and Japan CCS
Co., Ltd. (JCCS) is now conducting 100,000-ton/year
class demonstrations in Tomakomai. The next step isto develop a practical storage level of one million tons
per year, and for that we need a system to implement
full-scale R&D with private companies. I understandthat to be the main purpose of this association, and,this is the reason why RITE decided to participate.

■ Roles of members and research themes
Yamaji

The mission of this association is to develop

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CCS. Now I would like you to describe your research
themes, past achievements, and future goals.
Yano Our core technologies include monitoring technologies, technologies to assess long-term shielding
performance, and technologies for the coupled analysis of hydraulics and dynamics. First, regarding monitoring technologies, long-term monitoring will surely benecessary for geological storage in the future. We are
exploring how we can provide these technologies at
low cost. One effective method to lower the cost is tomonitor gravity. We are thus developing this technology by using superconducting gravimeters in Tomakomai. Second, the AIST has also been working on assessing the long-term shielding performance of cap
rock since before the establishment of the association.
Our research focus is on the effects of geochemical
reactions. We are testing how geochemical reactions
would affect the hydraulic and dynamic characteristics
through experiments. When we were examining how
geochemical reactions between supercritical CO2 andwater systems would affect the shielding performance,
we found that the effects differed depending on thetype of rock. Our core technologies also include geomechanical modeling technology. We would like tomake these technologies useful for measuring distortion with fiber optics, a topic that RITE and other parties are researching.
Hiramatsu We belong in Technical Research Group 1. Our
research theme isthe construction ofgeological models.
Specifically, we are
evaluating geological characteristics byanalyzing logging data from four wells at the experiment site in Tomakomai. The target layer is the bottom
layer of the Moebetsu layer. We are comparing datawith model curves while examining the correlation between natural radioactivity, specific resistance, porosity, and the speed of P-waves, as well as the correlation
between physical properties. Some data variations areseen between wells, which is giving us a hard time tobe honest. Still, we also have the data from the core
tests on the wells. We are now working with RITE to
examine them closely by finely classifying the lithofacies of the cores instead of the overall storage reservoir, taking the above findings into account.

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Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Table

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ing them into a well. We are planning to test the injection of CO2 microbubbles into storage reservoirs in
actual fields after next year.

Tochikawa Our core technologies are closely associated to storage reservoirs. For example, underground
imaging technology is a core technology that we havebuilt up over the years. We are now experimenting with
Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) using Distributed
Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and fiber optics. The challenge is to provide reliable information at the lowest
possible cost. We are conducting actual measurements in our oil fields this year. This is considered to bea new initiative even by global standards, and our geophysicists and personnel involved are taking the project on with great excitement, which is encouraging. I
hope to be able to share some images from the projectnext year.
Yamaji One big advantage of having an associationis that we can actually perform experiments using actual fields.
Takehana Our challenge is to increase
CO2 storage efficiency using microbubble
technology. We believe that an important key to increasing
the profitability of
CCS is to use underground storage reservoirs effectively. Our mission is todevelop new tools to generate microbubbles at depths
of 1,000 to 2,000 meters and send the bubbles intostorage reservoirs. The second mission is to discover
the processes and mechanisms behind how CO2 microbubbles permeate into storage reservoirs. Anothermission is to clarify how storage efficiency can be improved by effectively combining core tests in the laboratory, field observation data, and simulations. We aredeveloping prototype tools that we will use in a well thisyear. We are now checking whether they function properly and generate CO2 microbubbles by actually inject-

Imamura We are mainly responsible for topics related to simulating the underground migration of CO2.
The precision of underground investigations has certain limits which makes it difficult to forecast the cost ofgeological storage and assess its safety. We are anticipating whether we can estimate the realistic cost ofJapanese future large scale storage or not as a business. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry(METI) and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) are
now jointly looking for and investigating proper sites. I
think it is important to assess the realistic storage capacity including its uncertainties as quickly as possible
and present them to stakeholders. Our tasks in the association is to develop a design method to decide thenumber of wells or appropriate storage site which considering uncertainties of investigation data of storage
formation. Our high-performance simulation technologies can be effective to solve these problems. We arealso developing estimation methods to quantitatively
assess the safety of geological storage using probabilistic risk assessment techniques. We expect that our
techniques which have built up in nuclear engineering
field might be useful.
Yamaji RITE is developing technologies
with the main focus
on (1) Development
on Safety Management Technologies forLarge-scale CO2 Injection and Storage(2) Technologies for
Efficient Pressure Management and Utilization of
Large-scale Reservoirs, and (3) Environment Setting
for CCS Deployment and Standard Development.
There are concerns that the injection of CO2 may increase the underground pressure and trigger seismicities, which is why seismicity monitoring and other typesof monitoring are being conducted at the sites of CO2
injection. Technical Research Group 1 is developing a
CO2 injection management system named the Advanced Traffic Light System (ATLS) based on observation data. Their research is to develop a system withmore constructive functions that take into consideration the injections conditions while displaying monitoring information from CO2 injection sites using the col-7

Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Table

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ors of traffic lights: green, yellow, and red. We are also
developing monitoring technologies that can continuously measure the deformation (distortion) of geological formations in the depth direction using fiber optics.
We gained important knowledge on the deformation
characteristics of alternating layers of sand and rock as
well as how to construct dynamics analysis models
through on-site experiments in geological deformation
observation using currently available wells. We arealso developing methods to detect CO2 bubbles using
side-scan sonar as a technology to monitor CO2 leakage just in case. We are going to apply these technologies to on-site operations to develop practical uses in
the future. I believe doing so with the members of thisresearch association is a shortcut to spreading CCS.

and tackle problems with people from other industries
in this association, because as Mr. Tochikawa said,
there is a limit to what one company can achieve withregard to ideas and other aspects. I also greatly appreciate receiving candid opinions from independent
standpoints on the direction of research from expertson the Research Promotion Advisory Committee of theassociation. This is also a point on which I feel the benefit of joining this association. In terms of challenges,
we are still trying various ideas, because we are developing new technologies as I said earlier. I think weneed to work really hard to complete the technology inthe remaining three years from the perspective of developing the technologies required for CCS, as Chairman Sato mentioned.

Yamaji Chairman Sato, do you have any commentson our talks?

To c h i k a w a I t i smore stimulating towork in a group thanalone, and I earlier
mentioned the expectation of creating acatalyst for development within this collaborative framework,
but there is still some way to go. For example, in setting our challenge, there should be a discussion to determine the overall direction of CCS. I feel it may not be
entirely appropriate if we focus solely on storage anddisregard the other aspects. This association has fivegroups, and to fully unlock the potential of the research
association, we should share and discuss our respective challenges and strengthen the relationships between the groups. I also feel that the E&P industry has
made a rapid advancement in addressing the issue ofclimate change over the past year, and I think there areways to work with various consortiums and groups
overseas to enhance stimulation and catalysis. For example, we may be able to start by exchanging opinionswith companies like Total, Shell, Statoil and Gassnova
and eventually move on to doing something together.

Sato With regards to the unique goal-setting for CCS
that I first talked about, I think it is reasonable to pursue
the optimal locations for multiple wells. This is similar tooil companies taking as much oil as possible, for example, because it means more profit for them. In the caseof CCS, however, the amount of CO2 to be injected is
pre-determined by the storage capacity required. In
addition, since it involves the underground world, it isalways accompanied by uncertainties. The goal for
CCS should be to indicate areas that will cover theplanned amount of storage no matter where the injection point is within the area, rather than finding a location that allows the maximum amount of storage. I also
think there are suitable ways to construct geologicalmodels for CCS which should differ from the geologicalmodel used in oil development. I think this applies to alltechnical examinations in this association. I encourage
all members to keep in mind the unique goals of CCS
while conducting their research.

■ Evaluation of the activities of theassociation so far and future challenges
Yamaji In the end, since the association is going towrap up the activities of the second year, I would like tohear how you evaluate the activities of the association,
including good points, future challenges, and futureplans and goals.
Takehana I find it meaningful that, as we are a gathering of so-called subsurface specialists who share thesame sense of the problems, we are able to discuss

Yamaji Recently we hear words such as green
chemistry and ecosystems when we face R&D projects
and startup businesses, and I believe that these areimportant inside this association as well.
Hiramatsu I have been in charge of interviewing new
graduates for recruitment for many years. When I ask
them why they apply to our company, many of them
say that they are interested in global environmental

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Feature⃝Geological Carbon dioxide Storage Technology Research Association Round Table

problems and want to work on various projects such as
geological surveys, CCS, and methane hydrate which
are mentioned on the company website. I feel the advantage of this association because the activities ofour company expanded from just being a geologicalsurvey firm to a company with a broader range of activities. I also find through interviews that young people in
the field of natural science are very interested in CCS.
Therefore, I think CCS should be more talked about inbusiness journals, academic papers, and magazines
so that it will be more well known among the public.
With regard to future plans and goals, to strengthen therelationships among the groups, as Mr. Tochikawa
said, I would like to use the various tools we have, including the seabed gravity meter and P-Cable(high-resolution three-dimensional reflection survey),plus the DAS-VSP seismic vibrator vehicle that wasused in Mobara last year, to help activities at monitoring sites.
Yano The greatest advantage I feel from participating in this association is meeting with people like you.
This may sound a bit abstract but, compared to when
AIST was working independently on the issue of geological storage, I appreciate that our abilities are being
improved by joining a group of people involved in national projects and receiving evaluations and opinionsfrom the entire group. Speaking for AIST, we arepleased if we can work on future national projects asmembers of this association and strengthen cooperation among industry, academia, and government.
Imamura It has been nearly two years since this association was set up. Research by the individual
groups is making steady progress. I also feel that national policy makers and members of this association
are exchanging information and cooperating on a regular basis. Also, members of the Research Promotion
Advisory Committees are suggesting accurately andappropriately. We appreciate to provide such an effective chance for our R&D. I can see the following challenges for the future. First is to gain proactive participation of electric power companies while offering them
incentives from METI and MOE. The second is continuous activities to gain social acceptance which should
be done by government agencies and businesses. The
third is to establish methods to monitor environmental
effects and leakage and their reliability. The fourth is toimprove the accuracy estimating storage capacities. I
hope we can quickly overcome these problems throughthe cooperation between the government and the pri-

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vate sector to move closer to the practical applicationof CCS.
Yamaji Chairman Sato, what do you think of the discussions so far. Please give us your final comments.
Sato This may sound weird, the ideal storage safety
goes against the function of this research association,
meaning that there is no need to consider the safety of
CCS if the safety of storage is assured. To move closer
to such a situation, I think we should avoid ideas andapproaches which pursue higher precision to excess.
For example, the attitude of challenging the difficult
task of constructing models because of the shortage in
the number of wells may cause fear among some people who think that such an attitude is a bit of a high-wire
act. Instead, we should notice that a geological modelthat can assess safety with a few wells is enough for
CCS, and is good enough for ensuring low-risk andsafe storage and estimating the movement of CO2. Instead of aiming for the top, we can relax and settle forthe second, third, or fourth best solutions. I want you towork on the activities of this association including public outreach feeling that these solutions are enough toreduce the risks and control CCS operations properly.

■ Wrap-up
Yamaji The purpose of this association is to conduct
research into the practical application of large-scale
CCS. Especially, the role as a bridge to practical application through the participation of the four private companies, I believe, has steadily progressed over the past
two years. Still, from a wider perspective, among theissues that confront us, besides the development oftechnologies that will allow safe management, we haveto face the issue of social acceptability, as Chairman
Sato mentioned. This round table discussion has reminded me yet again of the importance of describing
the need for CCS to people, rather than just explaining
how to ensure the safety of micro vibration and leakage. I would like to use these findings in our future activities. Thank you very much for your participation.

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R&D Activities⃝Research & Coordination Group

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Research & Coordination Group[Key Members]

Hideaki Tsuzuku
Group Leader

Makoto Nomura, Deputy Group Leader,
Chief Researcher
Satoshi Nakamura, Deputy Group Leader
Masato Takagi, Chief Researcher
Kunio Sakuyama, Manager
Yoshinori Aoki, Manager, Associate Chief
Researcher
Tetsuya Deguchi, Associate Chief
Researcher
Yoshito Izumi, Associate Chief Researcher
Haruo Kanaboshi, Planning Manager

Hiroyuki Azuma, Vice Manager
Jun-ichi Shimizu, Vice Manager
Yuji Misumi, Vice Manager
So Kuranaka, Vice Manager

Outline of Research Activity in Research & Coordination Group
1. Current status toward AR6 of IPCC

ment Report (AR) in collaboration with each other.

The Paris Agreement, an international framework

AR has a strong influence on international negoti-

on global warming countermeasure, entered into effectations because AR provides rigorous and balancedin November 2016. Intergovernmental Panel on Cli-

scientific basis for international countermeasures. To

mate Change (IPCC), which takes a role of assessing

date, five Assessment Reports have been produced

the science related to climate change and providing aand published.

scientific basis, is currently in its Sixth Assessment cy-

The IPCC is currently organized in 3 Working

cle from 2015 to 2022. Writing and review process forGroups and a Task Force. Figure 1 shows the structure

Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) are accelerated afterof IPCC organization. WG1 assesses the physical sci-the Paris Agreement entered into effect.

entific aspects of the climate system and climate

RITE, commissioned by Ministry of Economy,change. WG2 assesses the vulnerability of socio-eco-

Trade and Industry, METI, has been implementing in-nomic and natural systems to climate change, negative

formation gathering and analysis through attending

and positive consequences of climate change, and op-

IPCC related meetings and dispatching experts, prepa-

tions for adapting to it. WG3 assesses options for miti-

ration of outreach activities, and research & reporting

gating climate change through limiting or preventing

on IPCC plenary sessions and review. Current statusgreenhouse gas emissions and enhancing activities

toward The 6th Assessment Report (AR6) of IPCC isthat remove them from the atmosphere. Major deci-addressed as follows.

sions are taken by the Panel during the Plenary Session. The Assessment Reports are produced by each

1.1. Outline of IPCC
The IPCC was established by the United Nations

WG and then the Synthesis Report is produced basedon these Assessment Reports of the each WG.

Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide theworld with a comprehensive review on the state of anthropogenic climate change, impacts, adaptation measures and mitigation measures from the viewpoint ofscientific, technical and socio-economic aspects. Experts who are recommended by governments from allover the world review and assess the most recent information on scientific analysis, socio-economic impact and countermeasure against climate change, including research papers, observed data and so on,
and then the experts write and compile the Assess-

Figure 1 : The structure of IPCC organization

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R&D Activities⃝Research & Coordination Group

1.2. Organization of IPCC in the Sixth Assessment

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ernments who provide written comments on the re-Cycle

vised draft of the SPM before meeting in plenary to

Dr. Hoesung Lee (Korea) was elected as the Chairapprove the SPM and accept the report.

of IPCC, and Ms. Ko Barrett (USA), Dr. Thelma Krug
(Brazil) and Dr. Youba Sokona (Mali) as the ViceChairs of IPCC in October 2015. Dr. Jim Skea (UK)and Dr. Priyadarshi R. Shukla (India) were elected as
the Co-Chairs of IPCC WG3, and seven members outof seven nations including Hungary, Italy, New Zealandand so on were chosen as the Vice-chairs of IPCC
WG3. AR6 cycle will proceed under the supervision ofthese members. Figure 2 shows the Organization of
IPCC in AR6 cycle.

Figure 3 : Writing and review process in AR6 cycle

1.4. Agreed outline of WG3 AR6
The experts, chosen by governments and organizations, discussed outlines of the Working Group at thescoping meeting held in May 2017. The Panel adopted
Figure 2 : Organization of IPCC in AR6 cycle

the outlines of the Working Group at the 46th Sessionof the IPCC held in September 2017. Figure 4 shows

1.3. Writing and review process in AR6 cycle
Figure 3 shows Writing and review process in AR6cycle. Each IPCC Report is preceded by a scoping

Agreed outline of WG3 AR6 which is provided by Dr.
Jim Skea, Co-chair of WG3, and summarizes Chapter
outlines of the WG3.

meeting that develops its draft outline. Based on the

Sustainable development is set up as a key fram-

result of the scoping meeting, the Panel decides

ing concept in Chapter 1. Emissions trends and driv-

whether to prepare a report and agrees on its scope,ers, mitigation pathways are assessed in Chapter2

outline and work plan including schedule and budget.

through Chapter4. These Chapters address balancing

Authors are chosen from the lists recommended by thesources and sinks in the long-term pathway, NDCs

member governments, the observer organizations andemission peaking and low GHG emission development

so on. The Bureau of the Working Group or Task Forcestrategies in the mid-term pathway. Chapter5 throughselects authors from these lists. The compositionof authors may ensure appropriate representationof experts from developing and developed countries and countries with economies in transition; amixture of experts with and without previous experience in the IPCC; and gender balance. A firstdraft of the report is prepared by the authors basedon available scientific, technical and socio-economic information, and then the first order draft isreviewed by experts. Authors prepare a second
order draft of the report and a first draft of its Summary for Policymakers (SPM). These are subject
to simultaneous review by both governments andexperts. Authors then prepare final drafts of thereport and SPM. These are distributed to the gov-

Figure 4 : Agreed outline of WG3 AR6

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Chapter11 address the sectoral assessment. Chapter12 addresses cross sectoral perspectives. Chapter13 addresses policies and institutions. Chapter14
addresses international cooperation. Chapter15 addresses investments and finances. Chapter16 addresses technology development and transfer. Chapter17 addresses sustainable development.
1.5. Planning schedule of WG3 AR6Authors were selected in February 2018 out of thecandidates who had been chosen and recommended
by nations all over the world. Planning schedule of
WG3 AR6 is addressed as follows.
The 1st Lead Author Meeting of WG3 will be heldon 1st-5th April 2019 and then up to 4th meetings will beheld. The first order draft (FOD) will be reviewed byexperts from December 2019 to January 2020. The

Figure 5 : The global status of large scale CCS projects

second order draft (SOD) of the report will be reviewed

tween by pipeline and by ship. The cost of transporta-by both governments and experts from June to Julytion by pipeline increases in proportion to transporta-

2020. The final drafts of the report (FGD) will be re-tion distance, and is small in short distance.

viewed from February to March 2021, and then will be

Transportation by ship is economical in the long trans-

accepted, adopted and approved by the Plenary Ses-

portation distance, but entails liquefaction facilities andsion of IPCC in July 2021.

demand of power, and then leads to high cost. The

The reports of WG1 and WG2 will be approved bytransportation cost is subject to public acceptance, lim-

the Plenary Session of IPCC in April 2021and Octoberitation of land and pathway (city, river, depth of water,

2021 respectively. The Synthesis Report will be ap-

fishery, etc.) as well as transportation distance.

proved by the Plenary Session of IPCC in 2020. Three
Special Reports and Report on methodology of inventories will be produced from 2018 to 2019 in AR6 cycle.
2. The current status of CCS deployment
2.1. The global status of large scale CCS projects
According to “The Global Status of CCS: 2017”,
there are 15 large scale integrated projects (LSIPs)
listed in the Operate stage and 6 projects in the Execute stage. The number of total LSIPs including theplanning stage of development amounts to 38 (Figure 5).
2.2. Transportation of CO2 by ship
CO2 is transported by pipelines in almost all large
scale projects in operation. However, there would be

Figure 6 : C omparison of CO2 transportation cost between by
pipeline and by ship

an option to transport CO2 by ship depending on thegeological relation between a CO2 emitter site and a

The feasibility study has been implemented in

CO2 storage site. Many CO2 storage sites are locatedNorway concerning to full scale CCS chain projectat marine area in Japan. Large scale CO2 emitters arewhere CO2 emitted by cement factory, ammonia plant

located at coastal area. Therefore, Transportation of

and waste-to-energy plant is captured, transported andCO2 by ship would be an option in Japan. Figure 6

stored. The CO2 captured from these three plants isshows the comparison of CO2 transportation cost be-gathered to an intermediate storage facility and is12

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transported by ship to the storage site. Figure 7 shows

uation methods for post combustion CO2 capture inte-full-scale CCS chain project in Norway (CO2 emitter

grated with a power plant. ISO27919-1 is in a stage ofand storage site). The reason why transportation sys-

Final Draft of International Standard (FDIS). WG1 also

tem by ship is adopted in this project is that the dis-started to develop International Standard (ISO27919-

tance between the CO2 emitters and the storage site is2) for evaluation procedure to assure and maintain sta-almost 800km, which means it is too expensive to

ble performance of post-combustion CO2 capture planttransport CO2 by pipeline and that transportation sys-

integrated with a power plant. WG1 is now developing

tem by ship is evaluated as a flexible solution in earlyWorking Draft (WD) of ISO27919-2.

stage. Three different types of transportation system

In WG2, IS for transportation by pipeline was pub-by ship is assessed, that is, Low pressure type (6lished in November 2016. WG2 is now preparing TR on〜8bar,-50℃), Medium pressure type (15 bar,-25℃)

solution including flow assurance in transportation by

and High pressure type (45 bar,+10℃). Each type ispipeline. WG2 is starting the discussion for ship trans-feasible, but Medium pressure transportation system isportation.

technically matured. Although energy consumption forInternational Standard (ISO27914) for CO2 geo-

increasing pressure and temperature is necessary inlogical storage in onshore and offshore was published

Low pressure type and Medium pressure type, it is notin October 2017 in WG3. WG3 will start to develop

necessary to increase temperature in High pressure

Technical Report on injection operations and infra-

type. The feasibility study has been implemented fromstructure. Target date of the publication of this TR will

2016 to 2017, and then FEED (Front End Engineering

be in 2020. Technical Report (TR27915) on quantifica-

and Design) will be implemented in 2018.

tion and verification was published in August 2017 in
WG4. WG4 started to develop International Standard
for quantification and verification based on TR27915
and is developing Working Draft(WD). WG4 aims todevelop Committee Draft (CD) in 2018.
Final Draft of International Standard (ISO27917)
for cross cutting terms was approved in November
2017 and ISO27917 was published in December 2017
in WG5. Technical Report (TR27918) on life-cycle risk
management was approved in November 2016 and is

Figure 7 : Full-scale CCS chain project in Norway(CO2 emitter and storage site)

ready to be published. WG5 started to develop Technical Report (TR27921) on composition of CO2 stream
and is developing WD.

3. International standardization for CCS
A technical Committee (ISO/TC265) was established within International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the international standards for CCS
have been developed under this ISO framework. Six

WG6

is

developing

International

Standard(ISO27916) for CO2-EOR, and ISO27916 is at a stageof Draft of International Standard.
As mentioned above, International standardization for CCS has been progressing steadily.

working groups are set up under the TC: Capture WG,
Transportation WG, Storage WG, Cross-Cutting WG,
Quantification & Verification WG and Enhanced Oil Recovery WG. For participating in this internationalframework, Japan set up the mirror committee of ISO/
TC265 for the domestic discussion.
Table1 shows the status of WG activities. Each
WG is developing International Standards (IS), Technical Specification (TS) and Technical report (TR).
Technical Report (TR27912) on CO2 capture waspublished in May 2016. WG1 started to develop International Standard (ISO27919-1) for performance eval-

Table 1 : Summary of WGs activities

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4. The status of countermeasures for CO2 signifi-

of CO2 utilization.

cant emission reduction from a long-term view-

Nuclear Fusion

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Nuclear Fusion is the technology to generate elec-

RITE had picked up the countermeasure technol-

tricity extracting energy of fast neutron produced byogies for CO2 significant emission reduction from anuclear fusion reaction with high temperature and highlong-term viewpoint and investigated the outline, CO2

pressure fusion fuel. The 40% of the total electricity

emission reduction potential and the challenges for de-generation in the world in 2100 is evaluated to be sup-ploying of the countermeasures. Figure 8 shows theplied by nuclear fusion*3. Irradiation test of equipment

menu of countermeasure technologies. The main tech-

constituting reactor and demonstration of prototype re-nologies are addressed as follows.

actor are necessary to establish this technology. Irradi-

CO2 Capture & Storage(CCS)

ation test of material and test of blanket equipment are

CO2 Capture & Storage(CCS) is the technology
which captures CO2 from large scale emitters, trans-also important issues.
Space Solar Power System

ports and stores it underground. Fossil-fueled power

Space Solar Power System (SSPS) is the technol-

generations equipped with CCS are poised to play a

ogy which transforms the electricity, generated by huge

critical role in IPCC AR5*7. They are also important as

photovoltaic in space, into microwave, transmits thegrid adjusting generator when renewable energies aremicrowave from power transmission antenna to powerlargely deployed. The potential of CO2 emission reduc-receiving antenna on the ground and then transforms

tions, that is to say, the potential of CO2 storage capac-

the microwave into electricity. SSPS is expected to be

ity over the world is estimated at 2 Tt which is equiva-

a stable zero mission power system which can supply

lent to 100 times of total CO2 emission in the world* .

all day.

The challenges of the deployment of CCS may include

amounts to considerable quantity which depends on

cost reduction, uncertainty of storage capacity, busi-

how many SSPS satellites are on the stationary orbit.

ness risk, establishment of framework for CCS busi-

The challenges of the deployment of SSPS may in-ness, public acceptance and so on.

clude cost reduction of transmission to space, estab-

1

The potential of CO2 emission reductions

lishment of technology of long distance wireless energy transmission, securing microwave safety andinstallation sites of instrument of power transmission,and so on.
BiofuelBiofuel is an energy made from plants. It is evaluated as CO2 net zero emission energy (carbon neutral)
because carbon in plants is fixed from the air. The poFigure 8 : Countermeasures for CO2 significant emission
reduction from a long-term viewpoint

tential of CO2 emission reductions amounts to 35% of
the total primary energy and 70% of total liquefied fuelin 2050*7. Biofuel is estimated to be able to cover only
3% of total energy supply in Japan*4. The challenges of

CO2 Capture and Utilization(CCU)
CO2 Capture and Utilization(CCU) is the technolo-

the deployment of biofuel may include limitation of sup-gy which captures CO2 from large scale emitters andply, competition in land use, securing water for plantthen utilizes CO2. CO2 is now utilized in urea produc-

cultivation and nitrogen monoxide generated by using

tion and EOR and so on. The potential of CO2 emission

fertilizer.

reductions amounts to 300〜3,600 Mt-CO2 in aggre-

Next-generation Battery

gate production, 70〜2,100 Mt-CO2 in fuel production,

Next-generation battery includes metal-air battery,

600〜1,400 Mt-CO2 in concrete production* . The chal-lithium-ion battery and so on which are under develop-

lenges of the deployment of CCU may include devel-

ment. The cost target for automobile is JY5,000/kWh*5.

oping the innovative technology which can produce

The cost reduction is a critical issue. The challenges ofgoods in large quantities and high-efficiently. Life cycle

the deployment of next-generation battery may include

assessment is necessary because there is the possi-

developing innovative battery which can surpass per-bility that CO2 will be emitted into the air in the process

formance limitation of lithium-ion battery

2

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DAC is estimated very high, $400/tCO2〜$1,000/tCO2,

Hydrogen・Hydrogen Carrier
Hydrogen carries under consideration now areclassified into three types, ①liquefied hydrogen, ②or-even though it excludes the cost of storage*8. The challenges of the deployment of DAC may include highganic hydride, and ③ammonia. The cost target iscost and low productivity, securing land, necessity of

JY60/m3 gasoline equivalent by 2020, JY40/m3 equiv-

considerable energy. They also include the same chal-alent to LNG for thermal power by 2030* . The chal-lenges as those of CO2 storage.

6lenges of the deployment of hydrogen carriers may include cost reduction, construction of hydrogen

5. Conclusion

infrastructure, expansion of hydrogen usage, develop-

AR6 cycle of IPCC had started. The Panel adopt-

ment of hydrogen instrument, establishment of regula-ed the outlines of the Working Group. Authors weretion, and so on.

selected in February 2018. The Lead Author Meeting ofFuel Derived from Hydrogen

WG3 will be held. The first order draft (FOD), the sec-

The fuel derived from hydrogen includes methane,

ond order draft (SOD) of the report and the final drafts

ammonia, alcohol and so on which are derived fromof the report (FGD) will be reviewed and then AR6 re-hydrogen produced with renewable energy and used in

port will be approved in July 2021.

conventional energy supply infrastructures. The pro-

There would be an option to transport CO2 by shipduction cost of the fuel is higher than that of hydrogen,depending on the geological relation between a CO2

but the transportation and supply cost of the fuel is low-emitter site and a CO2 storage site.

er than that of hydrogen because the fuel can be used

The feasibility study has been implemented inin the conventional infrastructures. When CO2 from

Norway concerning to full scale CCS chain project

biomass power station is used, the fuel contributes towhere CO2 captured from three plants is gathered to

CO2 zero emission because biomass is what we callan intermediate storage facility and is transported bycarbon neutral energy. Otherwise LCA assessment on

ship to the storage site.

CO2 emission reduction is necessary.
BECCS
BECCS stands for Bio Energy with Carbon dioxide
Capture & Storage and is technology combining bio-International standardization for CCS, such as thedevelopment of international standards and technicalreports, has been progressing steadily.
RITE had picked up the countermeasure technol-mass power with CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS).

ogies for CO2 significant emission reduction from a

BECCS is considered to contribute to net negative

long-term viewpoint and investigated the outline, CO2

emission because biomass takes up CO2 from the air.

emission reduction potential and the challenges for de-

The net negative emission technologies like BECCS

ploying the countermeasures.

are deployed in the latter half of this century in many of
the 2℃ scenarios of the IPCC report. The potential ofReference

CO2 emission reductions is estimated to fall within 3*1 IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storageof BECCS may include securing land, competition from

*2 ICEF Roadmap 2016

foods, environmental impact, demand for nutrition and*3 RITE Systems Analysis Group〜20 GtCO2/year*7. The challenges of the deployment

limit by increasing use of water. They also include thesame challenges as those of CO2 storage, that is, technology, cost, institution, public acceptance and so on.
DAC
DAC stands for Direct Air Capture of CO2 from am-(2005)*4 NEDO White paper of renewable energy technology chapter 4(second edition) 2014
*5 NEDO secondary battery R&D roadmap 2013
*6 NEDO fuel cell and hydrogen technology R&D roadmap 2010
*7 IPCC the fifth assessment report*8 National Research Council , The National Academies Press (2015)

bient air and is the technology which captures CO2from the air with chemical reaction and stores it into theground. DAC is like biomass in the sense of absorbing
CO2 in the air, but does not have limit of water unlike
biomass which demands water for growth and is notapplied to land with a little precipitation. The potentialof CO2 emission reductions is unknown. The cost of15

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Systems Analysis Group[Key Members]

Keigo AkimotoGroup Leader,
Chief Researcher

Toshimasa Tomoda, Chief Researcher
Takahiro Nagata,
Associate Chief Researcher
Kenichi Wada, Senior Researcher
Miyuki Nagashima, Senior Researcher
Takashi Homma, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Sano, Senior Researcher
Junichiro Oda, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Yamakawa, Senior Researcher
Haruo Kanaboshi,
Senior Researcher (concurrent)

Ayami Hayashi, Researcher
Yosuke Arino, Researcher
Bianka Shoai-Tehrani, Researcher
Keii Gi, Researcher
Nan Wang, Researcher

Research Activities in Systems Analysis GroupThe Systems Analysis Group aims to provide valu-

emissions between 2009 and 2013 increase greatly

able information about response measures to global

above the historical trend, and the leveling between

warming and energy issues, both inside Japan and in-2013 and 2015 can be regarded as an adjustment re-

ternationally through systemic approaches and analy-

turning to the long term trend. However, the emission

ses. We present here three research topics out of ourin 2015 was smaller by 1.1 GtCO2 than that of a linear

recent research activities; 1) the analyses on decou-

extrapolation by using the actual emissions between

pling between GDP and CO2 emissions, 2) the evalua-

2000 and 2015. The factors of this emission reduction

tions of emission reduction efforts of Nationally Deter-of 1.1 GtCO2 were analyzed.

mined

Contributions(NDCs)

under

the

Paris

According to the analyses by RITE, the estimatedAgreement, and 3) the economic evaluations of climate

CO2 emission reduction effects of the production ad-change adaptation measures. Our group has been

justments of pig iron and cement were about 0.25 andcontributing to the planning of better climate change

0.17 GtCO2, respectively, and the most were in China.

policies and measures through such analyses and

The productions in China will not increase again great-evaluations.

ly in the future due to the sufficient stock levels of ironand cement in China. However, the productions in low-

1. Decoupling between GDP and CO2 emission increases

er income countries such as India will increase in the
future, and therefore the trends of global productions

For recent several years, CO2 emissions have de-increases will also continue. On the other hand, thecreased while GDP has increased in some developed

estimated emission reduction effect of the increase incountries, that is, decoupling between GDP growth andCO2 emission increase. In addition, for a few years,
global CO2 emissions have been stable while global
GDP has increased. Its potential factors were evaluated.
1.1. Global trends
The strong positive relationship between global
GDP and CO2 emissions has been continuing basicallyas seen in Figure 1. But global CO2 emissions between
2013 and 2015 were almost constant. However, theFigure 1 : T he relationship between global GDP and energyrelated CO2 emissions

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shale gas utilization in the U.S. was about 0.22 GtCO2.

tion. As for the GDP growth in the U.K., one of its larg-

The effect was not induced by climate constraints or

est factors was high skilled immigrant labors according

climate policies but was induced by economic reasons

to a research study.

that shale gas has been produced cheaply comparedwith coal by technology breakthrough. This is an im-

1.3. Trends of Japan

portant decoupling example. The emission reduction

Manufacturing industries in Japan have kept rela-effect of increases in renewable energies was ob-

tively a large share of GDP. A clear trend of the decou-

served but only about 0.16 GtCO2.

pling cannot be observed under relatively low GDP
growth rate in Japan. On the other hand, the decrease

1.2. Trends of major developed countries

in electricity consumption was observed in accordance

The trend of decreases in CO2 emissions and en-with electricity price hike after the East Japan Greatergy consumptions can be observed in some Europe-

Earthquake. It will be important to analyze the factors

an countries including the U.K. Figure 2 shows the pro-carefully in the future, since there is a possibility of pro-duction-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions

duction decreases in manufacturing industries al-in the U.K. Production-based CO2 emissions are thethough behavior change, diffusions of high energy effi-

emissions that take place within the countries con-ciency equipment etc. might have contributed tocerned, and are normally reported as the nationʼs offi-

electricity savings. The industrial structure change tocial emissions. On the contrary, consumption-based

services under the EU umbrella was achieved in theCO2 emissions are the embodied emissions of import-

U.K., but it will not necessarily be achieved also fored or exported products by adding or subtracting emis-

Japan.

sions at the time of manufacture. The production-based
CO2 decreased greatly during this period but the con-1.4. Summary on the decoupling

sumption-based emissions were almost constant. That

The decoupling between GDP and CO2 emissions

means GDP increased due to industry structure chang-

is a key for sustainable global warming mitigation mea-

es from energy intensive manufacture industries tosures. Shale revolution achieved large contributions toservice industries, and CO2 emissions within the coun-

the decoupling by cheaper and lower-carbon energy

tries decreased but global CO2 emission reductions

supplies. LED also contributed to the decoupling. How-

cannot be achieved because the CO2 intensive indus-

ever, the largest factor of globally stable CO2 emission

tries move to and CO2 are emitted outside the coun-

trend during the past few years was the production ad-tries concerned. Actually, the U.K. successfully re-justments of basic material industries in China, and it

duced the energy consumptions to some extent byshould be considered that the long-term trend of cou-

substitution of fluorescent or LED lamps for incandes-pling between GDP and CO2 emissions continues. Incent lamps, and diffusions of high energy efficiency

addition, the decoupling trend that was seen in somegas equipment, and achieved the decoupling. Howev-

developed countries was not induced by consumption

er, they contributed only a little to the emission reduc-decreases but were induced by industry structurechanges, and therefore CO2 emissions were just transferred to other countries. The globally harmonizedmeasures for emission reductions are crucial, andtechnology and social innovations are necessary fortruly decoupling CO2 emissions from GDP.
2. An analysis on the emission reduction costs forachieving the NDCs

Figure 2 : P roduction-based CO 2 and consumption-based CO 2
emissions in the U.K. (based on OECD (2015))

2.1. Introduction
A new international framework for climate change

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responses beyond 2020, the Paris Agreement, was ad-

countries which have large low-cost emission reduc-opted at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) of thetion potentials. The differences in the CO2 marginal

United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate

abatement costs as shown in Figure 3 may induce car-

Change in December 2015, and entered into force inbon leakage, thus the expected global emission reduc-November 2016. The participating countries includingtion may be smaller than that predicted by aggregating

Japan pledged oneʼs own emission reduction targets

the emission reductions of all the countries. However,what is called Nationally Determined Contributions

realization of global CO2 marginal abatement costs(NDCs).

equalization in the real world is very difficult and un-

Assessments of the collective progress towards

practical, and the marginal abatement costs is not theachieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement

sole indicator for measuring emission reduction efforts.

will be carried out in the future. In the implementation

It will be important to urge countries with low CO2 mar-process of the Paris Agreement, it will be important toginal abatement costs for deeper emission reductions.

conduct reviews on the emission reduction efforts andcompare them across countries, which will help redress the balance of the emission reduction efforts
among the countries.
In this study, the emission reduction costs are focused on as an important indicator of emission reduction efforts. The costs for achieving the NDCs were
evaluated by using a global energy systems model
DNE21+.
2.2. Evaluation of emission reduction costs of the

Figure 3 : CO2 marginal abatement costs of the NDCs

NDCs
Figure 3 shows CO2 marginal abatement costs of

2.3. Evaluation of emission reduction costs of thethe NDCs. The CO2 marginal abatement costs of Swit-

NDCs considering current policies and condi-

zerland, Japan and EU are high, at over 200$/tCO2. On

tions of United States, EU, and Japanthe other hand, the CO2 marginal abatement costs of

Various policies will be adopted for achieving the

China, India, and several countries are almost zero.

NDCs. However, the measures to be taken may not be

The estimated CO2 marginal abatement costs of thecost efficient. Not only climate change mitigation, but

NDCs vary widely among countries. Under this situa-

also other political and social objectives will be takention of different MACs, the estimated global average of

into account for decision making. In this study, several

emission reduction costs per GDP are 0.38%. On thecases for policies and conditions (Table 1) were stud-other hand, the CO2 marginal abatement cost with theied, and their impacts on emission reduction costs ofglobal least cost measures for the aggregated global

the NDCs were analyzed.

emissions of the NDCs is only 6$/tCO2, and the global

For United States, the least cost cases and cases

average of emission reduction costs per unit of GDP iswith constraints on emission reductions in power sec-

0.06%.

tor were analyzed. As shown in Figure 4, the CO2 mar-In this way, the emission reduction costs per GDP

ginal abatement costs with the least cost measures areof the NDCs (0.38%) are 6.5 times higher than that76〜94$/tCO2. Emission reduction measures in powerwith the global least cost measures (0.06%), because

sector are widely adopted under the least cost mea-larger emission reductions are needed in the devel-sures. If emission reductions in power sector are limit-

oped countries including Japan which have little emis-

ed according to the estimates for the Clean Power Plansion reduction potentials due to historical energy sav-by EPA, huge emission reductions in other sectors areing, and emission reductions are small in the developing

required and the costs become higher.

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Table 1 : Analyzed cases

15%) is 230$/tCO2. The impacts of the progress of nu-

Assumptions

clear power restart on emission reduction costs are

I-a

26% reductions relative to 2005 with least cost measures

I-b

28% reductions relative to 2005 with least cost measuresnese governmental plan, which was decided from theI-c

26% reductions relative to 2005. The emission reductions in power sector are limited according to the estimates for the Clean Power Plan by EPA

higher, at over 380$/tCO2. CO2 emission reduction is

I-d

28% reductions relative to 2005. The emission reductions in power sector are limited according to the estimates for the Clean Power Plan by EPA

ous purposes are important. Therefore, the emission

II-a

40% reductions relative to 1990 with least cost measures

II-b

40% reductions relative to 1990 for both the UK and
non-UK EU nations

large. For the cases following the energy mix of Japaviewpoint of S+3E, the CO2 marginal abatement cost is
not the sole purpose, and balanced response to varireduction costs in the real world will be higher than thecosts with the least cost measures which seek cost efficiency solely for the emission reduction.

The emission reductions for EU-ETS sectors are determined by the planned emission allowances, andII-cthe non-ETS sectors ﬁll the rest of reductions to meetthe 40% reductions relative to 1990
26% reductions relative to 2013 with least cost meaIII-a sures. Maximum share of nuclear power in electricity
generation is assumed to be 20%
26% reductions relative to 2013 with least cost meaIII-b sures. Maximum share of nuclear power in electricity
generation is assumed to be 15%Japan

26% reductions relative to 2013. Electricity share asIII-c sumed to be same with the energy mix of Japanese
governmental plan

I. United States
I-a: -26%: the least costI-b: -28%: the least cost
I-c: -26%: power sector
according to CPP
I-d: -28%: power sector
according to CPP

26% reductions relative to 2013. Electricity share assumed to be; nuclear: 15%, renewables: 29%, others:
III-dsame with the energy mix of Japanese governmental
plan

For EU, least cost cases, cases for Brexit, andII. EU

III. Japan

II-a: the least costIII-a: the least cost underII-b: Brexit (-40% for UK)
nuclear of maximum 20%
II-c: splitting into ETS
III-b: the least cost underand non-ETS sectors
nuclear of maximum 15%
III-c: following the NDC
including the energy mix(nuclear of 20%)
III-d: following the NDC
including the energy mix(nuclear of 15%)

 O2 marginal abatement costs of the NDCs for UnitedFigure 4 : C
States, EU, and Japanburden sharing among ETS and non-ETS sectors wereanalyzed. The CO2 marginal abatement cost with the

2.4. Summary

least cost measures is 210$/tCO2. Compared to thisInternational comparison of the emission reduc-figure, the CO2 marginal abatement cost for non-UK

tion costs for achieving the NDCs and analysis on the

EU nations in scenario II-b is higher (230$/tCO2). This

impacts of political and social barrier on emission re-means that the emission reductions ratio in UK under

duction costs were carried out. The emission reduction

the least cost measures shall be larger than 40%, andcosts will be higher than the costs with the least cost

the CO2 marginal abatement costs for non-UK EU na-

measures, because there are various purposes to betions will rise if UK reduces the emission only by 40%.

achieved in the real world. There are concerns about

For the case where ETS and non-ETS sectors are sep-increased risk of the climate change issues related toarated, the CO2 marginal abatement cost in ETS sec-

economic downturn due to large emission reduction

tors is relatively low (70$/tCO2), but the cost in non-costs. It is important to promote internationally concor-

ETS sectors is very high (480$/tCO2). The emission

dant emission reduction efforts and take flexible andallowances of EU-ETS are excessively large to pro-continuous response to the climate change issues,

mote economy-wide cost efficient emission reduction

while avoiding huge increase in climate change mitiga-

for achieving NDCs.

tion costs.

For Japan, several cases for electricity generation
mix were analyzed. The CO2 marginal abatement cost

3. Economic impacts of climate change adaptation

with the least cost measures (maximum share of nu-

3.1. Introduction

clear power: 20%) is 165$/tCO2. On the other hand,

Risk management for climate change requires ad-

the cost of III-b (maximum share of nuclear power:

equate understandings of climate change mitigation,

19

R&D Activities⃝Systems Analysis Group

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adaptation and residual damages in terms of theircosts as well as their natures. However, there were few
studies on economic evaluations on climate change
adaptation, because of large uncertainties on climatechange damages. This study evaluates economic impacts of climate adaptation. We consider the benefitsof climate change adaptation resulted directly fromavoided climate change damages and also from spillover effects of investments made for climate adaptation on the whole economy. It is important to analyze
economic impacts of climate adaptation by sector andby region considering dynamic economic effects for
multiple years, due to avoided losses of capital stocks
caused by climate change.

Figure 5 : Structure of developed model

Climate adaptations are mainly short-term and local measures, and they are usually considered eco-es on capital stocks in coastal areas. Building/enhanc-

nomically reasonable, increasing the utility by adapta-

ing coastal dikes are considered as adaptation mea-tion investments.

sures for coastal sector protection. Cost functions ofIn order to evaluate the economic effects of cli-

the coastal dike building are formulated as quadratic

mate adaptation, we newly developed a multi-region

functions on adaptation level. Secondly, climate dam-and multi-sector economic model covering up to 2100.

ages in other sectors, corresponding to sectoral GDP

As a first step of the evaluation, this study focused ondamages, are formulated as the quadratic functions ofcoastal sector. In the model, we considered damages

global mean temperature. Adaptation in other sectors

separately; those from economic flows and those fromare not considered at present. By using this model

capital stocks, based on input-output industrial struc-framework, direct effects of adaptation investments

tures, and then evaluated effectiveness of climate ad-

and the relevant spill-over effects by region and by sec-

aptation among climate change policies. Impacts of

tor can be evaluated for multi-years.

climate sensitivity uncertainty on climate adaptations
were also evaluated. In addition, from the view of risk
management, we evaluated climate change response
strategies based on this study.

3.3. Results
Figure 6 shows pathways of global GDP losses(negative changes in GDPs relative to the baseline (noclimate scenario)) without and with climate adaptation

3.2. Outlines of analytical framework
A new economic model was developed as shownin RCP＊1) 8.5 (assumed global mean temperature riseof 4.2℃ in 2100) under the climate sensitivity of 3.0℃.

in Figure 5. The model is formulated as a dynamic
non-linear optimization model with maximization of discounted global consumption utilities. The assumed discount rate is 3% per year. The world is divided into 12
regions with 10 economic sectors. The current version
does not consider the economic impacts of climate mitigation.
In this study, climate impacts are assumed to beclassified into coastal sector and the others. Firstly, climate damages and adaptation in coastal sector are set
up based on Hinkel et al . Coastal flood gives damag1)

Figure 6 : Changes in global GDP losses
Note: Assumed climate sensitivity is 3.0°C. Adaptation only incoastal sector is assumed.

20

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The global GDP losses without and with climate adap-

mate change impacts and adaptations, and then bytation in 2100 are 5.6% and 3.1% (relative to the base-using the model, we evaluated effectiveness of adapta-line), respectively. The global investment costs for cost

tions and total costs of climate mitigation, adaptations

effective dike building are very small compared to glob-

and residual impacts under two cases of climate sensi-

al GDP, and the relevant spill-over effects on the whole

tivities.

economy are also small. However, the effects of avoided damages due to dike building are large.

Even in the RCP8.5 with the highest global mean
temperature rise under the climate sensitivities ofIn order to thoroughly evaluate economic balanc-

3.0℃, with optimal adaptations, costs for the cost ef-

es among climate mitigation, adaptation and residual

fective adaptations are small relative to GDP. This re-damages, total costs of climate change are shown

sults indicate that climate adaptations largely decreas-(Figure 7). The mitigation costs are based on datasets

es climate damages. Stringent GHG emission reductionof IPCC-AR5-WGIII (mean of multiple models results).

cases like 2℃ target may seem to require large costs

It is noted that these mitigation costs are basically eval-on climate mitigations and might not be economicallyuated under global cost minimizations (corresponding

reasonable in the view of total costs, although cost es-

to the ideal uniform carbon price in all the regions).

timations of climate damages and adaptations havelarge uncertainties. This study limited evaluations up to
2100. However, we need to pay attention to climate
impacts beyond 2100, where damages are expected toincrease with time delay.
In addition, even in the case of the high climate
sensitivities of 3.5℃, climate adaptations are usefulmeasures for climate damages. For the higher climate
sensitivity by 0.5℃, climate adaptations will be able tolargely decrease climate change risks as well. Therefore, in terms of climate change risks management un-

Figure 7 : G lobal costs of climate impacts, adaptation andmitigation(economic impacts of climate adaptations
and climate sensitivities)
Note: PD:Peak and Decline

der the uncertainties of climate sensitivities, it may bewise to take mitigation actions for a broad temperaturetarget in association with appropriate adaptation actions rather than trying to achieve the stringent tem-

Under the climate sensitivity of 3.0℃, economical-

perature target.

ly reasonable pathways are RCP8.5 and RCP4.5
among the three response scenarios (assumed global

Referencesmean temperature rise of 2.3℃ in 2100) with and with-

1) J. Hinkel et al.; Coastal flood damage and adaptation costs underout climate adaptation, respectively. We should note

21st century sea-level rise, PNAS Vol.111, No.9, pp.3292-

evaluation accuracies of climate change damages andadaptation are poor as compared to that of mitigation.

3297(2014)＊1) RCP: Representative Concentration Pathways

Considering the total costs, the most stringent pathways, RCP2.6 (assumed global mean temperature riseof 1.6℃ in 2100) is not considered economically effective. In addition, even in the high climate sensitivity of
3.5℃, effectiveness of climate adaptation are evaluated.
3.4. Summary
We newly developed an assessment model on cli-21

R&D Activities⃝Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

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Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group[Key Members]

Masayuki Inui
Group Leader,
Chief Researcher

Akemi Sasaki, Deputy Group Leader,
Associate Chief Researcher
Ken-ichi Inatomi, Associate Chief
Researcher
Haruhiko Teramoto, Associate Chief
Researcher
Kazumi Hiraga, 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
Hiroshi Kosugi, Senior Researcher
Takeshi Kubota, Senior Researcher
Shinichi Oide, Researcher
Ryoma Hashimoto, Researcher
Tetsu Shimizu, Researcher
Masayoshi Hashizume, Researcher
Tomoaki Hara, Researcher

Development of Biorefinery Technology toward a Low Carbon Society
1. Introduction

Biofuels

Biotechnology, which involves the use of biological

Bioethanol, a major biofuel, is produced from corn

processes, organisms, or systems, widely contributes(in the U.S.) or from sugarcane (in Brazil) as main raw

to the fields of agriculture, industry, environment, med-materials, and mixed with 10-25% gasoline for use inical treatment, etc. In recent years, a new concept ofautomobiles. The highest production and consumption“Bioeconomy” was proposed. Bioeconomy refers to aof bioethanol is in the U.S., where 15.0 billion gallons

market wherein industries using biotechnology are(57 million kL) of bioethanol, was produced in 2017,

fused with resource-circulating societies (Fig. 1), andwhich slightly exceeded the volume of 2016, according

has been paid much attention as a global biotechnolo-

to the good harvest. In Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026

gy strategy in Europe and America. Our group is ad-

by OECD-FAO, 120 million kL of bioethanol was pro-vancing the research and development of biorefinery

duced worldwide in 2017, with the U.S accounting fortechnologies to produce biofuels and green chemicals

about half of the production. Biodiesel is produced

from renewable sources (biomass), which are corefrom rape seed (in Europe) or soybean (in the U.S.) as

technologies of the “Bioeconomy.” In this section, we

main raw materials, with 37 million kL of biodiesel be-

provide an overview of global biofuel and green chem-ing produced worldwide (Fig. 2). France and Germany,

ical production.

where about half of the automobiles have diesel engines, have the highest consumption.

Fig. 1 : Concept of Bioeconomy

Fig. 2 : Biofuels outlook 2017-2026

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R&D Activities⃝Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupIn 2017, the news that French and British govern-

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is expected to expand worldwide.

ments intended to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicle

In Japan, the consumption of biodegradable poly

sales by 2040, left an impact. In Europe, the phasing

lactic acid (PLA) and drop-in biopolymers such asout of petrol and diesel cars is due to a target of low

bio-polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET) and bio-poly-

carbon based on the Paris agreement, and the use ofethylene (Bio-PE) is increasing. Application of Smart

conventional internal combustion engines is predicted

cell technology, which is described later, is also expect-

to decline in the future. On the other hand, dependency

ed to improve monomer productivity and productionof aircrafts or large-sized ships on liquid fuels is con-rate in the future.

sidered to stay unchanged, because the shift toward
electric power from liquid fuels is difficult for these ma-

2. Features of RITE Bioprocesschines. Therefore, the demand of biofuels is expected
to rise to decrease CO2 emission from the transportation sector (Fig. 2).
Since second generation cellulosic biofuels areproduced from agricultural wastes such as corn stover,their production does not affect food supply, which is
expected to reduce large CO2 emission. However, it
was reported that a large-scale commercial plant that
could produce over 100,000 kL cellulosic ethanol per
year was shut down in Europe in 2017. Now several
large-scale commercial plants are in operation in the
U.S. and Brazil. Biojet fuels, which are a trump card ofFig. 3 : Features of RITE Bioprocess

CO2 emission reduction from aircrafts, have become

In RITE Bioprocess, cells of a Corynebacterium

widely popular in global commercial flights through theglutamicum strain engineered to have an optimal met-use of material such as used-cooking oil as a raw ma-

abolic pathway for a target chemical are grown on aterial. In Japan, two projects on biojet fuel production

large scale, packed to very high densities in a reactor,

from algae and woody biomass have also been adopt-

and allowed to produce the target metabolite (Fig. 3).

ed by New Energy and Industrial Technology Develop-

The key to our process is the unique property of C.

ment Organization (NEDO). Plans are being set inglutamicum. Bioconversion of feedstock to target prod-

place for consistent production processes (pilot scale)ucts proceeds without microbial cell growth, achievingof these two projects in 2030 to produce biojet fuels.

higher efficiency and productivity compared to conventional fermentative processes, in which formation ofGreen chemicals

products and biomass inevitably occurs in parallel.

Owing to the shift of raw materials from fossil re-

Metabolic engineering enabled our microbial catalyst

sources to renewable biomass, the production of green

to utilize C6 & C5 sugars simultaneously, and we foundchemicals, such as biomaterials and biopolymers, isthat C. glutamicum is highly tolerant to fermentation in-

effective in reducing CO2 emission. Moreover, these

hibitors contained in cellulosic hydrolysates such as

green products are expected as an important material

furans, demonstrating that the RITE Bioprocess is

to contribute to achieve a realization of circulating soci-compatible with cellulosic non-food biomass (see RITE

ety and sustainable manufacturing. According to Euro-

Today 2013-2017).

pean Bioplastics, global bioplastics production reachedThrough the RITE Bioprocess, we have been suc-

4.4 million tons in 2017 and is predicted to reach 6.1

cessful in production of ethanol, lactic acid, and vari-

million tons in 2021. Slower growth rate of the market

ous amino acids with remarkably high yield. We arethan that of previous prediction may be due to recent

currently applying the technology to microbial produc-

economic performance such as production cost. How-tion of butanol, biojet fuels, and aromatic compounds

ever, as there is an increase in companies that use

such as phenol. In the following sections, we describe

bioplastics and biofiber in smartphone cases, automo-

recent progress in our research on production of biofu-

bile parts, clothes, etc., the market for green chemicals

els and green chemicals.

23

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3. Research and development on production of

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and highly efficient production of biobutanol by improv-

biofuelsing biobutanol resistance, optimizing metabolic path-

3.1. Biobutanolway, and by developing energy-saving biobutanol puri-

Butanol is more suitable as a gasoline additive

fication techniques.

than ethanol due to its physicochemical properties, including higher energy content, lower vapor pressure,

3.2. Green jet fueland lower water solubility. It can also be used as a

Petroleum-based jet fuels are mixtures of hydro-

starting material for biojet fuel production by conven-carbons that consist mainly of linear-, cyclic-, andtional chemical reactions. Thus, biojet fuel synthesized

branched- saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic com-from biobutanol can be used in airplanes. As this ispounds with 10-15 carbon atoms. The jet fuel must

recognized as key for reduction of CO2 emission, air-meet strict physical properties such as freezing andplane companies have paid great attention to biojet

flash points for safety reasons. Biojet fuels that havefuel. Biojet fuel synthesized from butanol is often re-already been certified by ASTM lack essential compo-

ferred to as “ATJ” fuel for “Alcohol to Jet.” ATJ fuel has

nents such as aromatic compounds, due to which they

been approved by American Society for Testing andcannot be used singly as aviation fuel, but need to beMaterials (ASTM) and is ready to use in commercial

mixed with petroleum-based jet fuels. The blending ra-

flights (http://www.gevo.com/).

tio of each biojet fuel is at the most 50%.

We have developed a genetically engineered C.

In order to reduce emissions from aviation, Inter-glutamicum that exhibits highly efficient production ofnational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets a goal

butanol. We have been conducting a research project

to carbon-neutral growth from 2020. On the otheron cellulosic butanol production since 2015 (see Topics

hand, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

in RITE Today, 2016), which has been funded by thesets a goal for net reduction of carbon emissions by

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The

50% of 2005 emissions by 2050. To meet both targets,advantages of our production process include the fol-

more than 60% reduction of CO2 emissions would be

lowing (i) cellulosic biomass can be used as feedstock

required in 2050, which suggests that present biojet

and (ii) production is fast with high yield (Fig. 4).

fuels whose blending ratios are at 50% could not meet

Since butanol is highly toxic, we have developed athe targets. Therefore, we have started a new projectgenetically-engineered Corynebacterium strain thatto produce 100% green jet fuel consisting of various

exhibits a very high productivity by the RITE Biopro-types of hydrocarbons including aromatic compounds.

cess. We accelerated R&D of biobutanol production

Our core strategy is to create a novel hybrid-mi-from non-edible biomass by collaborating with the U.S.

crobe equipped with an organo-catalyst in cells and to

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

use the hybrid microbe as a biocatalyst facilitating reactions that have never been observed in microbial
cells. The hybrid microbe makes it possible to produce
C10-C15 branched and cyclic precursors of jet fuelfrom various non-food biomass. So far, we have successfully obtained a strain producing C10 jet fuel pre-Fig. 4 : Production of biobutanol and biojet fuel by RITE Bioprocess

Moreover, we have been collaborating with U.S.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) from2017 for R&D on production of jet fuels by chemicaloligomerization of biobutanol.
We achieved the highest biobutanol productivity
worldwide. We then carried out further attempts at fast

Fig. 5 : Production of jet fuel using hybrid microbe24

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cursors from glucose. We have also successfully converted the C10 precursors to C10 hydrocarbons
satisfying the properties of jet fuel in cooperation with apetrochemical company. We are currently attempting
to improve the productivity of our process to realize its
industrialization (Fig. 5).
3.3. Biohydrogen
Hydrogen is considered the ultimate clean energy
because its combustion generates only water. However, CO2 emission during the existing hydrogen production processes is an important issue because fossil
resources are used as feedstock. This issue should be
addressed by a mid- or long-term R&D project on hydrogen production technologies using renewable andFig. 6 : R esearch and development of highly efficient biohydrogen production from cellulosic biomass

4. Development of technologies for the production

sustainable resources. In this context, METI has setof bio-based chemicals

the goal of establishing a CO2-free hydrogen supply

4.1. NEDO Smart cell project

chain by 2040 in a long-term technology roadmap.

Innovations in biotechnology have made it possi-

Although bioprocesses have significant potential

ble to expand the potential of biological functions. Con-

for CO2-free hydrogen production, an innovative im-

sidering the latest trends, METI defined “Smart-cell” asprovement in technology is necessary to establish aa finely-designed and expression-controlled cell, andcost-efficient bio-hydrogen process. Bio-hydrogen pro-presented a strategy to create a new industry (“Smartduction from organic compounds, such as sugars de-cell” industry) based on Smart cells.

rived from biomass, is divided into dark fermentative

To realize the creation of the industry, NEDO

hydrogen production and photo-fermentative hydrogenlaunched a project, “Development of Production Tech-production. The latter harnesses light energy unlike theniques for Highly Functional Biomaterials Using Smart

former process. In collaboration with the SHARP Cor-

Cells of Plants and Other Organisms” (Smart cell proj-

poration, our group has developed a bio-hydrogen pro-ect). Our group participated in the project and started

duction process using formate-dependent dark fer-

to develop an accurate metabolic model of Corynebac-

mentative hydrogen production pathway (Fig. 6). The

terium to maximize its productivity by prediction andhydrogen production rate achieved is two orders ofdesign of metabolic pathway. We will validate the de-magnitude higher than that of conventional fermenta-

veloped model by evaluating the productivity of target

tion processes. Based on the achievement, since

products of a strain (smart cell) engineered according

2015, our group has conducted an international collab-

to a metabolic design suggested by the model (Fig. 7).

orative research project supported by METI. This proj-

During 2017, (the second year of the project), we

ect has proceeded in collaboration with Kyoto Universi-

obtained mutants highly resistant to our target prod-ty, NREL, and Center National de la Recherche
Scientifique (CNRS) in France.
In this project, in order to improve the hydrogenyield from sugars derived from cellulosic biomass, weare now (i) introducing a new hydrogen production
pathway in hydrogen-producing microorganisms, (ii)
improving photosynthetic bacteria for photo-fermentative hydrogen production from acetate, a by-product ofdark fermentation, and (iii) examining conditions forhydrogen production from corn stover (Fig. 6).
Fig. 7 : Overview of Smart cell project25

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ucts - aromatic compounds, analyzed their genomes,

foods industries. Now we are accelerating the researchand screened for genes comprising metabolic path-on their practical application by collaborating withways for the products. Besides, in collaboration withchemical companies. Moreover, development of meta-

Kobe university and National Institute of Advanced In-

bolically engineered C. glutamicum strains to produce

dustrial Science and Technology (AIST), we are devel-other useful aromatic chemicals is also in progressoping and tuning a metabolic model. We are also eval-(Fig. 8). We are also promoting research toward theuating metabolic designs suggested by the model.

development of high performance aromatics-overproducing strains with most appropriate metabolic designs

4.2. Expanding production technologies for vari-by incorporating metabolic modeling and omics analy-

ous aromatic chemicals

sis technologies, which are also now being developed

Aromatic compounds represent important industri-in the ʻSmart cell projectʼ described above.

al chemicals used as polymer materials and are agroup of diverse value-added chemicals, which find

5. Towards the industrialization of our technolo-

applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, fla-

gies

vors, cosmetics, and food industries. While they are

5.1. Phenol

currently derived from petroleum or natural plant re-Commercial phenol is only derived from petro-sources, their environmentally-friendly biotechnologi-

leum. We have been challenged to develop the worldʼs

cal production from renewable feedstocks is desired

first manufacturing bioprocess of biomass-derived

from the viewpoint of creating a sustainable society

phenol, which is considered to be difficult, for global

independent of petroleum resources and of production

environmental conservation and greenhouse gas re-efficiency. In this context, we are undertaking the de-duction.

velopment of a highly efficient bioprocess to produce

In May 2014, Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. andaromatic compounds from non-food ligno-cellulosic

RITE established Green Phenol Development Co., Ltd.

feedstock by employing our bioprocess using C. glu-(GPD) to accelerate the industrialization of our bio-

tamicum. We have already succeeded in developing a

mass-derived phenol-producing technology named

highly efficient bioprocess to produce shikimate, which“two-stage bioprocess”. According to the NEDO proj-

is a key building block in the chemical synthesis ofect of “Development of manufacturing process for bio-

Tamiflu, an anti-influenza drug, 4-aminobenzoate. It is

mass-based phenol (2015~2017),” additional purifica-

used as a potential functional polymer material, and astion and concentration processes were constructed

several aromatic hydroxy acids with potential applica-

near a bioprocess pilot plant in May 2016 at Shizuoka

tions in polymers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, andPlant at Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. This plant is ex-

Fig. 8 : Development of manufacturing cells for various aromatic compounds

26

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pected to enable integrated production of bio-bon footprint. In 2016, we succeeded in demonstrating

mass-based phenol from non-food biomass-derived

this production by using commercial-scale facilities of

mixed sugars (Fig. 9). Next hurdles are as follows: sup-our partner company, which is an important milestone

ply of low-cost biomass-derived sugars, improvement

for industrialization. One of our group members alsoof processes, such as the bioprocess as a whole, puri-

participated in the first operation and worked with local

fication, concentration of phenol, recycling of waste

employees to lead the project to a successful conclu-

water, etc. These processes are now in the process ofsion. As a result of the evaluation by the Food Safety

industrialization.

Committee in August 2017, the safety of L-alanine produced by our strain as a food additive was confirmed,
and it became available as a food additive, besides its
industrial application. The L-alanine production business was developed in cooperation with a domestic
and foreign partner enterprise. In addition, we areworking on a joint research project with GEI for valine
production, and making sample production by improving the strain and scaling up.

Fig. 9 : M olded samples using biomass-derived phenol in
BioJapan 2017 (see topics)

6. Closing remarks

5.2. Amino acids

tiative 2017” in October 2017. “Connected Industries”

METI announced “Connected Industries Tokyo Ini-

Normally, amino acid fermentation is carried out

is a new concept framework which shows the future

under aerobic conditions and consequently, aeration

position of Japanese industries in the 4th industrial rev-

and agitation should be properly controlled to attainolution, and is an action plan for a super-smart societyhigh productivity, but it is often difficult in large-scale

after 2030 (Society 5.0). One of the fields of impor-fermenters because the oxygen concentration is nottance in the above concept is “New Biomaterial”,

homogeneous inside the fermenters. To overcome thiswherein the biorefinery technology must play an im-

problem, we have developed a new genetically modi-

portant role as a core technology by using the Smart

fied Corynebacterium strain for amino acid production

cell technology mentioned before (Fig. 10).

in the RITE Bioprocess, wherein the production of amino acid is carried out under anaerobic conditions. The
technological hurdle for amino acid production underanaerobic conditions is to balance the redox reaction
without oxygen as an electron acceptor. To this end, we
introduced an artificial pathway for amino acid biosynthesis in microbial cells. Our group has solved thetechnological hurdle and published the research accomplishments in an international journal in 2010
(Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 87: 159-165).
Green Earth Institute Co. Ltd. (GEI) was estab-Fig. 10 : Fusion of biotechnology and digital technology

lished in 2011 for industrialization of RITE Bioprocess.
Since 2011, RITE and GEI started collaborative re-Our group continues to put effort into developing

search for amino acid production using the RITE Bio-

technologies to produce next generation biofuels in-process in which technologies for scaling up, develop-

cluding butanol, hydrogen, and green jet fuels by using

ment of efficient production strains, and cost reduction

the Smart cell technology. Through our research activ-

have been developed. Our first target for amino acidities, we would like to contribute to environmental pro-production was synthesized from a petrochemical

tection and establishment of a sustainable society.

product, but our goal was to produce the amino acidfrom renewable resources to reduce the life cycle car-27

R&D Activities⃝Chemical Research Group

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Chemical Research Group[Key Members]

Shin-ichi Nakao
Group Leader,
Chief Researcher

Keisuke Sugita,
Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Takayuki Higashii, Chief Researcher
Katsunori Yogo, Associate Chief Researcher
Kenjiro Ishiguro, Senior Researcher
Teruhiko Kai, Senior Researcher
Kazuya Goto, Senior Researcher
Firoz Alam Chowdhury, Senior Researcher
Satoshi Mikami, Senior Researcher
Hidetaka Yamada, Senior Researcher
Shin Yamamoto, Senior Researcher

Makoto Ryoji, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Ito, Researcher
Nobuyuki Takayama, Researcher
Shuhong Duan, Researcher

Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2
Capture Technologies
1. Technologies for CO2 capturedeveloping sorbents for CO2 capture to efficiently re-CO2 capture and storage (CCS) involves the trap-

duce energy consumption. Currently, the low-tempera-ping of CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the emissions

ture regenerable solid sorbent that we developed isgenerated during fossil fuel combustion from suchbeing evaluated for practical use. In lab-scale cyclic

sources as electric power plants and factories and in-tests, our novel solid sorbent is capable of achieving

cludes the subsequent sequestration of the captured

1.5 GJ/t-CO2 in regeneration energy. And, we have es-

CO2 in geological formations. At present, the costs as-

tablished a large-scale synthesis technology that cansociated with capturing CO2 from emission sources

produce the solid sorbent at a scale of 10 m3. Re-

account for approximately 60% of overall CCS expen-

search on the practical application is now underway inditures. Therefore, it is important to reduce capture

collaboration with a private company. In the near fu-

costs to allow the practical application of CCS.

ture, we will install a test facility to capture 40 t-CO2/

The Chemical Research Group studies the different CO2 capture technologies with a special focus on

day at the Maizuru power plant of Kansai Electric Power Company for practical application.

chemical absorption, adsorption, and membrane sepa-

Membrane separation is expected as an effective

ration methods. This work involved the development ofmeans of separating CO2 from high-pressure gas mix-

new materials and processing methods, as well as in-tures at low cost and with low energy. As a member ofvestigations of capture systems. The Group studies

the Molecular Gate Membrane module Technology Re-

have thus far generated significant outcomes and as-

search Association, RITE has been developing mem-

sisted in the progress of research in this particular field.

branes and membrane elements using a novel den-Specifically, we developed high performance

drimer/polymer hybrid membrane, called the molecularchemical absorbents, and one such chemical absor-

gate membrane, to selectively capture CO2 from pres-bent with particular promise was selected for applica-

surized gas mixtures containing H2, such as those gen-tion in a commercial CO2 capture plant owned by aerated in the integrated coal gasification combined cy-

private Japanese company. This CO2 capture plant hascle (IGCC) at low cost and with low energy. We are

been in operation as the first commercial plant, and inalso developing membranes with large membrane ar-2018, a second commercial plant is scheduled to begin

eas using the continuous membrane-forming method

operations.

and developing membrane elements for the mass pro-

On solid sorbent technology, we have also been

duction of membranes and membrane elements in the28

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future. In addition, we plan to evaluate the separation

to develop new absorbents that had the potential toperformance and process compatibility of our mem-deliver high performance and to allow more efficientbranes and membrane elements using coal gasifica-

CO2 capture (Fig. 2).

tion gas both in Japan and overseas in order to identify
and then solve the technical problems of membranes
and membrane elements.
2. Development of CO2 capture technology basedon chemical absorption systems
CO2 capture by chemical absorption is a prospective technology for the separation of CO2 from gas mixtures. This technique consists of the thermal desorption of CO2 following chemical absorption using anamine-based solution. From the Cost-saving CO2 Cap-

Fig. 2 : C ontinuous challenge of the high-performance liquid
absorbent processture System (COCS) project (funded by the Ministry ofRegarding practical technology development, one

Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) between FYof the outstanding new absorbents was adopted for2004 and 2008), RITE examined the capture and sep-

use in commercial CCS plants operated by Nippon

aration of CO2 from steel industry blast furnace effluent

Steel & Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd. The first suchgases (Fig. 1).

CCS plant began operation in the autumn of 2014 (Fig.
3); the second CCS plant is scheduled to start operation in 2018. The research results of RITE contribute to
the practical application of CO2 capture technology todifferent emission sources in the industry.

Fig. 1 : A cost-saving CO2 capture system scheme

In the following project, the CO2 Ultimate Reduction in Steelmaking Process by Innovative Technology
for Cool Earth 50 (Course 50 Phase 1 Step 1, 20082012: funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), RITE
achieved the target CO2 capture energy consumption
value of 2.0 GJ/t-CO2. In addition, significant new ab-

Fig. 3 : S napshot of the first commercial plant for supplying CO2
as industrial gas*T he construction site is Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal
Corporation.
*The photo is provided by Nippon Steel & Sumikin Engineering
Co., Ltd.

sorbents were developed for CO2 desorption at less

Additionally, we have advanced the development

than 100℃. This result represents an improvementof chemical absorbents for high-pressure gas mixtures

over the current desorption temperature of 120℃.

containing CO2, obtaining excellent CO2 absorption

Beginning in FY 2013, the Course 50 Phase 1

and desorption performance. The purpose of these

Step 2 project funded by NEDO was initiated and in-studies has been the research of highly efficient absor-

tended to run until FY 2017. During this work, RITE andbents that enable CO2 desorption while maintaining the

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation continued

high CO2 partial pressure of the initial gas mixture.

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These are termed High-Pressure Regenerable absor-

sorbents capable of low-temperature regeneration withbents. Using these novel absorbents, the energy con-high adsorption capacities.

sumption during the CO2 compression process following capture is significantly reduced owing to the highpressure of the captured CO2.
Several new solvent systems designed previously
have demonstrated high CO2 recovery levels in conjunction with superior CO2 absorption and desorption
rates. These capabilities are in addition to a relatively
low heat of reaction under high-pressure conditions
above 1 MPa (Fig. 4). The total energy consumption
rate for CO2 separation and capture when using thisprocess, including the energy required for compres-Fig. 5 : Liquid absorbent and solid sorbent

sion, has been estimated to be less than 1.1 GJ/t-CO2.
(absorption: 1.6 MPa-CO2, desorption: 4.0 MPa-CO2).

Fig. 6 : RITE Amine

The result of the process simulation based on theperformance of our developed solid sorbents showed
the potential of 1.5 GJ/t-CO2 for the regeneration energy. When this CO2 capture technology is applied to thecoal-fired power generation, the reduction of power
generation efficiency is expected to be improved by
Fig. 4 : C
 O2 pressure-solubility relationships for High-Pressure
Regenerable absorbents

3. Solid Sorbent Technology

about 2% compared to conventional chemical absorption technology (2.5 GJ/t-CO2).
Under a project aimed at the advancement of CO2

RITE has developed solid sorbents during a proj-

capture technologies (R&D of Advanced Solid Sor-ect aimed at the advancement of CO2 capture technol-

bents for Commercialization) funded by METI since FY

ogies funded by METI from 2010 to 2014. Solid sor-

2015, we are conducting the optimization of materials

bents are composed of amine absorbents for chemical

for practical use and working with Kawasaki Heavy In-

absorption and porous materials (Fig. 5). They have

dustries (KHI), Ltd., to develop bench scale test using

similar CO2 adsorption characters with liquid amine ab-moving-bed system for coal combustion exhaust gas

sorbents. Furthermore, they make it possible to signifi-

and simulation technology of moving bed system.

cantly reduce the energy consumed as sensible heat

So far, we have selected solid support with proper-and evaporative latent heat in the regeneration pro-ties suitable to the moving-bed system. In addition, we

cess.

have developed the synthesis method of materials on

Novel amines synthesized by RITE have beena larger scale. As a result, the midterm goal, which is

employed for our developed solid sorbents (Fig. 6).

the establishment of solid sorbents synthesis on a

Based on the established relationship between various

scale of 10 m3, has been achieved.

amine structures and their CO2 desorption capabilities,

The solid sorbents prepared by the establishedas determined by theoretical simulations, RITE suc-

method (10 m3 scale) were evaluated by using a lab-

cessfully fabricated innovative, high-performance solid

scale adsorption/regeneration test apparatus (Fig. 7).

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These tests were conducted by using the steam-aided

the established method: movement characteristic of

vacuum swing adsorption (SA-VSA) process, in which

the solid sorbent and CO2 capture performance are be-

steam was supplied in a desorption process. After theing evaluated. We also are improving equipment forcycle time was optimized, the result showed that RITE

high CO2 purity, selecting suitable measuring devices

solid sorbents could capture high-purity (99%) CO2

for water in the gas, and extracting problems for actualfrom a simulated flue gas (12% CO2) in high yields

gas testing.

(90%). In this case, the energy used for regeneration

A 40 ton-CO2/day capture plant will be installed atsteam at 60℃ was extremely low (1.4 GJ/t-CO2),

the Kansai Electric Power Co (KEPCO) coal-fired pow-

demonstrating that RITE solid sorbents had superior

er station (Maizuru power station) and practical ex-performance in CO2 capture.

haust gas test will be carried out post 2019 (announced
September 2017). We are working on the R&D roadmap to establish a solid sorbents system that has
much higher performance to capture CO2 from coal
fired power generation (Fig. 8).
4. CO2 and H2 separation using polymeric membranes
The Japanese government announced the Cool
Earth 50 project in May 2007 with the aim of reducing
the countryʼs CO2 emissions to half the current amountby 2050. One promising means of lowering CO2 emissions is the development of Integrated coal Gasifica-

Fig. 7 : Lab-scale apparatus for CO2 capture testtion Combined Cycle with CO2 Capture and Storage

Currently, the bench scale combustion exhaust(IGCC-CCS) using CO2 selective membranes (Fig. 9).

gas test is underway by the moving bed system in-

For this reason, we are currently developing novel CO2

stalled at KHI using RITE solid sorbents prepared by

selective membrane modules that effectively separate

Fig. 8 : Project roadmap

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Fig. 9 : Schematic of the IGCC process with CO2 capture by CO2
selective membranes.

CO2 during the IGCC process.
We found that novel polymeric membranes composed of dendrimer/polymer hybrid materials (termedmolecular gate membranes) exhibit excellent CO2/H2

Fig. 11 : CO 2 selective membrane, membrane element, andmembrane module.
Membrane element:
The structure with large membrane area composed ofmembrane, support and spacer etc.
Membrane module:
The structure in which membrane element is placed

separation performance. Fig. 10 presents a schematicIn the project by the Ministry of Economy, Tradethat summarizes the working principles of a molecularand Industry (METI), Japan, “CO2 Separation Mem-gate membrane. Under humidified conditions, CO2 re-brane Module Research and Development Project”

acts with amino groups in the membrane to form either(FY 2011-2014), we developed molecular gate mem-carbamate or bicarbonate, which then block the pas-branes that show high CO2 separation performancesage of H2. Consequently, the amount of H2 diffusing tounder high-pressure conditions of 2.4 MPa (IGCC con-the other side of the membrane is greatly reduced andditions) using laboratory-scale membranes. In the cur-high concentrations of CO2 can be obtained.

rent METI project, “CO2 Separation Membrane Module
Practical Research and Development Project” (FY
2015-), we are developing the membranes with large
membrane areas by continuous membrane-forming
method and also developing the membrane elements.
We plan to conduct pre-combustion CO2 capture tests
using real gas from the coal gasifier to examine theseparation performance and robustness of membranes
and membrane elements.
The separation performance of the prepared

Fig. 10 : Schematic illustration of the working principles of themolecular gate membrane.

membranes using the continuous membrane-forming
method and membrane elements are shown in Table 1.

We developed new types of dendrimer/polymer

Comparing the separation performance of thehybrid membranes that provide superior separation of

membrane elements with that of the membrane itself, it

CO2/H2 gas mixtures.

is suggested that the membrane elements showed

Based on this work, the Molecular Gate Membrane module Technology Research Association (MG-

Table 1. Separation performances of the membrane prepared bycontinuous membrane-forming method and the membraneelement.

MTRA; consists of Research Institute of Innovative
Technology for the Earth [RITE] and a private company) is researching new membranes, membrane elements (Fig. 11), and membrane separation systems.

QCO2

QHe

[m3(STP)/m2/s/Pa][m3(STP)/m2/s/Pa]αMembrane

1.94E-11

1.18E-12

16.5

Membrane element

1.83E-11

1.54E-12

11.9

Membrane element: Diameter: 2 inches, Length: 220 mm
Operating conditions: Temperature: 85℃ , Feed gas composition: CO2/He =40/60%, Feed gas pressure: 2.4 MPa, Relative humidity in feed: 70% RH,
Permeate gas pressure: atmospheric pressure.
He gas was used instead of H2 gas, for safety reasons.

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the energy used in separation and recovery by half

The real gas from the coal gasifier contains trace(<1.5 GJ/t-CO2) . In the technical roadmap, CO2 sepa-

amounts of impurities, such as CO, CH4, H2S, andration and recovery technologies are planned to be

COS. Among them, the effect of H2S exposure on thedemonstrated at the system level around 2030, andCO2 separation performance was evaluated. The re-then become popular around 2050.

sults are shown in Fig. 12. As shown in the Fig. 12,

In general, it is crucial to promote the practical ap-

there was no significant effect of H2S exposure on CO2

plication of CCS by proposing optimized separation

separation performance. Therefore, it was confirmed

and recovery technologies for various CO2 emissionthat the prepared membrane is resistant to H2S.

sources. It is also vital to establish new or improved

The CO2 molecular gate membrane modules aretechnologies through scale-up studies and actual gas

being developed under a project recognized by theseparation trials that closely mimic desired real-world

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF), aapplications. Furthermore, it is important to promoteministerial-level international climate change initiative

innovative technological development and to continu-

focused on the development of improved, cost-effec-

ally develop new energy-efficient, low-cost approaches

tive technologies for the separation and capture of CO2

to CCS.

for transport and long-term safe storage.

*COP 21; The 2015 United Nations Climate Change
Conference

5. Conclusion
In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP 21.* To meet the conditions of the agreement, it is essential to promote innovative ways to dramatically reduce emissions on a worldwide basis. In
April 2016, Japan released the National Energy andEnvironmental Strategy for Technological Innovation
toward 2050. In addition, in September 2017, a technical roadmap for 2050 was formulated. The capture andeffective usage of CO2 were identified as promisingtechnologies. Innovative CO2 separation and recovery
technologies contain medium- and long-term targets
related to technological improvements that will reduce

Fig. 12 : Separation performance of the membrane before and after the H2S exposure test.
〈Conditions of H2S exposure test〉
Pressure: 2.4 MPa; Temperature: 85℃ ± 3℃ ;Gas composition: CO2 (33%)+H2S(500ppm)+N2 balance (Relative humidity: ca. 80% RH)
Exposure period: 7 days

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CO2 Storage Research Group[Key Members]

Ziqiu XueGroup Leader,
Chief Researcher

Nakaba Matsuda,
Deputy Leader, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Takasu, Associate Chief Researcher
Takahiro Nakajima,
Associate Chief Researcher
Takeshi Myoi, Associate Chief Researcher
Keisuke Uchimoto, Senior Researcher
Ryozo Tanaka, Senior Researcher
Saeko Mito, Senior Researcher
Tetsuma Toshioka, Senior Researcher
Tsutomu Hashimoto, Senior Researcher
Tamotsu Kiyama, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Komaki, Senior Researcher

Makoto Nishimura, Senior Researcher
Kazutoshi Hiwaki, Senior Researcher
Osamu Takano, Senior Researcher
Atsushi Ibusuki, Senior Researcher
Nobutoshi Shimizu, Senior Researcher
Yasuhiro Okabayashi, Senior Researcher
Yi Zhang, Researcher
Hyuck Park, Researcher
Takuma Ito, Researcher
Lanlan Jiang, Researcher
Luchen Wang, Researcher
Yankun Sun, Researcher
Takayuki Miyoshi, Researcher

Development of Geological CO2 Storage Technology for Realizing
Safe CCS at Scale
1. Introduction

search Group is aimed at establishing a methodology

Onshore CO2 injection has been operational atfor detecting bubbles of leaked CO2 physically with so-scale in the Quest project in Alberta, followed by thenar technology. This could be alternative to a chemis-

Industrial CCS project in Illinois, USA. In Australia, thetry-based methodology based on measured amount ofGorgon project is coming on stream in 2018 and its

CO2 dissolved in seawater sampled at designated off-

injection rate will be 3.4-4 million tonnes per year. In

shore points at a storage site. In 2017, we demonstrat-

Norway, a feasibility study is planned for an integrated

ed the feasibility of a methodology of detecting bubbles

full-scale project from CO2 capture at multiple largeof leaked CO2 with sonar through offshore testing.

emission sources to transport and offshore storage

In the development of microbubble technology, we(Smeaheia). The US Department of Energy (DOE) se-

attempt to improve storage efficiency and increase dis-lected two research projects for offshore storage in sa-

solution of CO2 into formation water by injecting CO2line formations in the Gulf of Mexico in November

via a special porous filter. We made a prototype of a2017. They are probably aimed at leveraging a great

borehole tool, which is the foundation for the realiza-

amount of geological information acquired through thetion of the concept, and test it at field.

development of oil and gas fields and existing infra-

The CO2 Storage Research Group works on inter-structure such as pipelines there. Large-scale offshore

national collaboration and a survey of CCS develop-

CO2 storage will draw more attention in near future.

ment in the globe as well as the development of safety

The CO2 Storage Research Group, as a member

management technology for geological CO2 storage. Inof the Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology

addition, we work closely with the Tomakomai CCS

Research Association (GCS), works on the develop-

demonstration project in pursuit of earlier CCS com-ment of technologies for full-scale geological CO2 stor-

mercialization.

age suitable for Japanʼs geological features. Knowledge and understanding on marine environmental

2. Major Research Themes and Outcomes

impact assessment for offshore formation storage isUnder the framework of the Geological Carbon Di-

currently insufficient. In Europe, a research projectoxide Storage Technology Research Association

called STEMM-CCS is being undertaken with the focus(GCS), the CO2 Storage Research Group works onon the detection of leaked CO2 and the assessment of“Development on Safety Management Technologies

impacts on marine organisms. The CO2 Storage Re-

for Large-scale CO2 Injection and Storage”, “Technolo-

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gies for Efficient Pressure Management and Utilizationof Large-scale Reservoirs” and “Environment Setting
for CCS Deployment and Standard Development” (Table 1) toward CCS commercialization. The major research activities and outcomes in the main research
themes are outlined below.

Figure 1 : O bjectives of geological modeling for the different
stages of the CCS life cycle

information regarding reservoir quality. We applied thetwo analyzing methods to the image logging data acquired at the Nagaoka site and interpreted the reservoir characteristics of the site. From the FMI data, we
obtained a mean value and sorting of the resistivities at
each depth. With the NMR data, we conducted a factor
analysis of relaxation time distribution to examine theTable 1 : Research Themes and the Roles of the Members in GCS

characteristics pore-size distribution in the reservoir,
and concluded that it is the most reasonable to divide

2.1. Development of Geological Modeling Tech-

the reservoir into eight areas in terms of pore-sizeniques for Geological CO2 Storage

trends. Based on the results from the two approaches,

Developing highly reliable geological models is

we interpreted the Nagaoka reservoir. The green/yel-fundamental but essential for geological CO2 storage.

low/red boxes in Figure 2 were interpreted as the fa-

Geological modeling has different objectives and re-cies with good/middle/poor reservoir quality in terms

quires different information at each CCS life cycle asof, for example, pore space and permeability. The het-

shown in Figure 1. Modeling for CO2 storage sites, inerogeneity observed here are highly consistent withcomparison with that for oil and gas production, usually

the injectivity shown in the most right part in Figure 2.

have much few available data acquired at wells. Fur-We, therefore, concluded that the advanced log data

thermore, data from cores, logging and seismic survey

analyses with appropriate resolution and coverage offor the modeling have different special accuracy andlog data provide useful information for the reservoir

coverage. It is, therefore, necessary to develop tech-characterization for a geological CO2 storage site.

niques for integrating these data to build a geologicalmodel. In this fiscal year, we worked on geologicalmodeling techniques for a stage of site characterization. We examined a methodology to integrate datafrom different sources from the stratigraphycal viewpoint, aiming to extract as much as geological information from data acquired by, for example, logging from alimited number of wells.
FMI (Formation Micro-Imager) is a tool to measurefine scale resistivities with 192 image button electrodes. The shape of the histogram of the resistivities
measured at each button has information about rocktype and sedimentology in a resistivity domain. On theother hand, NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) toolis capable of measuring relaxation time distribution,

Figure 2 : Comparison between interpretation of the formationfrom the image data analyses and CO2 injectivity

which reflects the pore size distribution of the formation. The analyses of the distribution, therefore, provide

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2.2. Development of Advanced Traffic Light System

methods, using observation data obtained by the(ATLS) for the Safety Management of CO2 In-

Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) in the Tomakomai CCS

jectiondemonstration project. Figure 4 shows results of an

There are concerns about earthquakes induced

analysis for earthquakes of which magnitude is lessby formation pressure rise derived from CO2 injection.

than M1 occurred within 100 km of OBC in a year. The

This leads CO2 injection sites to undertake various

results indicate that SDAR with parameters turned ap-

monitoring activities such as seismic monitoring. To

propriately is capable of detecting seismic events moreleverage data acquired from these monitoring systems,

surely than STA/LTA. We plan to investigate its applica-

the CO2 Storage Research Group has been develop-

bility to the analysis of other observation data acquired,ing a management system for CO2 injection, called thefor example, with borehole seismometers.

Advanced Traffic Light System (ATLS). For hot dry rockgeothermal power or enhanced geothermal systems(EGS), a traffic light system (TLS) has been developed
to label a level of safety with traffic light colors, i.e.
green, yellow and red, judging by observed data of mi-

OBC Center Point

croseismicity. Our ATLS is a system equipped with advanced functions to utilize data from all monitoring systems such as seismic observation at a CO2 injection

Figure 4 : Earthquake (< M1) detectability of the two methods
and locations of observed earthquakessite and also injection status there (Figure 3).
2.3. Development of Technique for Monitoring Formation Stability during CO2 Injection
From the viewpoint of geomechanical stability offormations at CO2 injection sites, it is desirable to monitor not only the deformations of reservoir and cap
rocks but also those of all formations from reservoir tothe surface. As a technique for measuring all along thedepth direction from the surface to deep subsurface,
the Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) has been
Figure 3 : ATLS Diagram

developed and commercialized in the oil and gas development sector. The CO2 Storage Research Group

ATLS is designed to identify any irregularity as

has been developing a similar fiber-optics sensing

early as possible and feedback it to CO2 injection oper-

technique but for measuring the deformations (strains)ation. The system would enable the operator to control

of formations all along a depth direction.

CO2 injection rates in accordance with information from

This year, we conducted a long-term observation

ATLS and to take countermeasures necessary against

test of this system to measure formation deformation

any identified irregularity. In Figure 3 that provides an

all along the 300m-deep well which had optic fibers in-overview of ATLS, the functions of which development

stalled behind the casing. The strain measurements inhave been completed are shown in the red boxes. The

every 20cm interval revealed deformation characteris-developments of the remaining functions are ongoing.

tics of sand-mud alternation and provided useful data

In order to utilize seismic monitoring data in ATLS,

for constructing geomechanical models.

it is essential to detect all microseismicity (ultramicro

During the long-term observation, we observed

earthquakes) and not to identify noise as an event incompressive strain changes several times which areerror. To identify microseismicity in observation data

attributable to groundwater pumping near the site. We

without errors, we have adopted not the conventional-

then conducted a test to evaluate hydraulic properties

ly-used Short Term Average/Long Term Average meth-of water-bearing formations by pumping groundwaterod (STA/LTA), but a new approach called the Sequen-from multiple wells around the site (Figure 5). Water

tially Discounting AR model learning (SDAR). In thispumping at a well 280m away from the fiber-installed

year, we have examined the applicability of the twowell caused compressive strain changes at a depth of36

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200-230m in a water-bearing formation within a few

tion of its travel, and receiving its reflection. In the pre-hours after the beginning of the water extraction. Water

liminary experiment conducted in the previous year, we

pumping at another well 940 m apart in the same direc-

had shown that SSS towed under water by an observa-

tion of the first test well caused compressive strainstion ship (Fig. 1) is capable of detecting CO2 bubbles inagain, but their time delay and amplitudes were differ-

the sea.

ent from those in the first test. There were two note-wor-

We had also shown that knowledge on SSS de-

thy findings from the comparison of the results from thetectability for bubbles of low-soluble gas such as air

two tests: the depths of the maximum strains observed

and methane is not applicable to that for CO2 bubbles.

are different between two operations; and extensional

It is much more difficult to detect CO2 bubbles with SSS

strains were observed at the upper formation (80-140m

than air bubbles because CO2 bubbles are far easier todeep) in the both tests. These observed results would

dissolve into sea water. Therefore, to use SSS in mon-be the first field data which are usable for coupling

itoring at offshore CO2 storage sites, it is necessary toanalyses between hydrology and geomechanics.

clarify the detectability of SSS for CO2 bubbles and its
suitable operational conditions. The information weneed includes detectable minimum rates of CO2 leakage; maximum distances between SSS and detectable
CO2 bubbles; suitable speeds of the ship; and suitable
depths of SSS towing.
In FY2017, we conducted a demonstration test for
SSS to detect CO2 bubbles released from the seabed
at a depth of ~30m, equivalent to that of the offshore
storage site in the ongoing Tomakomai CCS demon-

Figure 5 : Response of optical fiber during the water pumping
tests

stration project. We observed the released CO2 bubbles under various conditions in terms of bubble re-2.4. Development of Techniques for Detecting CO2
Leaked into the Sea
Leaking of CO2 stored in a deep geological formation under the seabed is deemed to be extremely improbable. Monitoring to verify that CO2 is not leaking is,however, mandated to be ready just in case by the Act
on Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster in Japan. Leaked CO2 is to be in its gaseous phase
under temperature and pressure conditions at the seabed of shallow sea so that CO2 should go out as bubbles from the seabed if CO2 leaks. Monitoring to confirm that there are no bubbles from the seabed can be,
therefore, an option for leakage monitoring.
In order to detect bubbles in the sea, sonar is
widely used and its applicability has been demonstrated to observe bubbles of gas such as methane. The
CO2 Storage Research Group has been developing amethodology to use side-scan sonar (SSS), which isapplicable to wide area scanning, for detecting CO2
bubbles. SSS is a tool to produce images of objects inthe water column and topographic feature of the seabed by emitting sonic pulses from the both sides of
SSS to the vertical section perpendicular to the direc-

Figure 6 : Images of CO2 bubbles detected with SSS

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lease (release rates and bubble sizes) and observationnical best practice manual as a technical reference for(depths of SSS operation, the speed of the ship and

CCS developers to undertake a CCS project.

distances between the release point and SSS).

The best practice manual consists of eight chap-

Through the experiment, we concluded that SSS towed

ters: project planning; site selection; site characteriza-

at 2.5-5.5 knots has the capability of detecting CO2

tion; development planning; design and construction;

bubbles released at a rate of 500-5000 ml/min (Fig. 6).

operation and management; site closure; and post-closure management.

2.5. Enhanced CO2 Dissolution Technique

We completed a draft version of Chapter 1 (project

The CO2 Storage Research Group, in collabora-

planning) to Chapter 4 (development planning) in 2015tion with Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., has been developing a

They were compiled, based on outcomes from Japanʼs

technology to store CO2 in geological formations after

first CO2 injection test conducted in Nagaoka, Niigata

turning CO2 into microbubbles through a special filter.

from 2003 to 2005, and referring to CCS projects andFigure 7 shows behavior of microbubble CO2 injected

technical reports in other countries such as USA andin a 30cm-long porous sandstone sample visualized by

EU members. We are currently working on Chapter 5

an X-CT scanner. The warmer colors represent CO2(design and construction) to Chapter 8 (post-closure

distribution in pore space. Microbubble CO2 injection is

management). In this work, we are also referring tosuperior to the conventional injection in terms of stor-

outcomes from the Tomakomai demonstration projectage efficiency because of higher CO2 saturation rates.

and latest information on overseas CCS projects, for

In order to make the microbubble injection tech-example, in Canada and USA.

nique technically viable, we have been developing a

We plan to cover CO2 transport, CO2 compres-borehole tool applicable to actual CO2 injection sites insion, design and construction of wells and equipment

conjunction with JAPEX. In this fiscal year, we installed

commissioning in Chapter 5; operation, maintenancea prototype of the borehole injection tool in a 250m-deepand management of facilities for CO2 injection opera-

well. Injecting N2 and CO2, we investigated microbub-tion, monitoring and incident response in Chapter 6;

ble CO2 generated in a shallow formation. We plan toverification of well integrity, well plugging and abandon-

improve the injection tool to make it applicable to ament, and planning for post-closure management inhigher temperature and higher pressure environment.

Chapter 7; and monitoring during the post-closure pe-

We also plan to look into CO2 storage mechanisms toriod, verification of safe storage, and status of post-clo-

make microbubble technology more viable.

sure management in CCS projects in other countries.

Figure 7 : D ifference in CO 2 distributions due to injection
methodologies

2.6. CCS Technical Best Practice Manual
CO2 injection at a scale of one million tonnes per
year was commenced in the Quest project in Canada,followed by the Industrial CCS project in the USA. In

Figure 8 : Structure of CCS technical best practice manual

Japan, the injection of 100,000 tonnes per year was
initiated in the Tomakomai CCS demonstration in 2016,
aiming at injecting CO2 of 300,000 tonnes in total.

2.7. International Collaboration and Survey of CCS
Development in the world

Anticipating CCS deployment in Japan and global

In addition to contribution to CCS deployment, thedeployment of Japanʼs CCS technology, the CO2 Stor-

CO2 Storage Research Group surveys CCS develop-

age Research Group has been compiling a CCS tech-ment in the world. The highlights in global CCS devel-38

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opment in 2017 are summarized below, touching upon

leasing the Clean Growth Strategy in October. In theworks done by international organizations.

strategy, the deployment of CCUS is set out to be after

In early 2017 in the USA, there were two large-

2030 on the assumption that CCS costs would be re-scale CCS projects became fully commissioned: theduced to a proper level. Detailed pathways of CCS de-Petra Nova project, where CCS was retrofitted to an

ployment will be presented by the end of 2018. The

existing coal-fired power plant; and the Illinois ICCS

ROAD project in the Netherlands was cancelled by anproject, where biomass-derived CO2 is injected into aannouncement made by its proponents. It was a CCS

deep saline formation. The year therefore started withproject for coal-fired power and the only promising ini-

the good news, but concerns about deaccelerating

tiative for a large-scale CCS project in the EU region.

CCS deployment was gradually grown. The new US

On the other hand, the Dutch Government released

administration announced in March their intention toambitious climate goals for 2030 in October. The pro-withdraw the CO2 emission performance standards,

posed measures to meet the goals include CO2 emis-

which had a potential of driving CCS deployment in thesion reduction of 20 million tonnes per year by CCS in

power sector, and then proposed drastic cut in CCS

the industrial and waste incineration sectors. The gov-

R&D budget for the next fiscal year in May. In June,ernment plan raised expectation for CCS realization in

CO2 capture from ignite gasification for power genera-

the Netherlands, but there have also been skepticaltion in the Kemper project was cancelled by a decision

views for the implementation of the government plan.

to convert the power plant into a gas combined cycle

Europe has been inclined to promote CCS clusters

plant due to a problem in gasification. But the concernswith multiple industrial sources at a scale of 100,000

were dispelled. The CCS budget cut was limited to 7%

tonnes-CO2 per year. There has also been also a trend

by the Congress. The DOE secretariat proposed new

to strengthen exploration of CO2 utilization, aiming at

initiatives for CCS as well as nuclear in the Clean En-

giving added-values to captured CO2. Technical study

ergy Ministerial (CEM) meeting in Beijing in June. He

reports on CCS published by the IEA Greenhouse Gas

also took the initiative to compile a communique to en-

R&D Programme (IEAGHG) in 2017 mostly looked into

dorse supports to CCS in the ministerial meeting of theindustrial sources such as refinery, hydrogen produc-

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) intion and natural gas processing. Reports on CCS for

Abu Dhabi in December.

power include a study on flexibility as an added value

In Europe, Norway has taken the strong leader-which is not evaluated monetarily.

ship in the CCS community. This year, there were tem-

Inputs to the above-mentioned CSLF ministerial

porarily rising concerns that their efforts would bemeeting includes recommendations on reasonable

phased out. This was because the government an-

and practical regulations for geological CO2 storage.

nounced 94% cut for the CCS project for three industri-

These were compiled, based on lessons learned fromal sources in the government budget for the next finan-

permitting process in seven projects, including

cial year. But it was turned out that the continuation ofSleipner, ROAD, Peterhead, Quest, Decatur, Tomako-

the project will be decided by the parliament in mid-mai and Otway, by the initiative of the CO2 Storage Re-

2018 and that when continuation is agreed the budget

search Group. The original report is available on thewould be revised to a sufficient level by the parliament.

CSLF web site.

On the premise of the project realization, they have avision to receive CO2 for offshore storage in their territory from their neighboring countries. Essential for thiswould be the implementation of the amendment of the
London Protocol for enabling CO2 export for the purpose of CO2 storage under the seabed. In 2017, Finland became ratified the Protocol but the number of theratified countries is still far below that required.
In the UK, the government presented their CCUS
strategy for the first time after withdrawal of budgets forlarge-scale CCS demonstration projects in 2015 by re-39

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Inorganic Membranes Research Center[Key Members]
Ryoichi Nishida, Deputy Director, Chief
Researcher
Hidetoshi Kita, Chief Researcher
Hitoshi Nishino, Associate Chief Researcher
Katsunori Yogo, Associate Chief Researcher
Makoto Ryoji, Senior Researcher
Hye Ryeon Lee, Researcher
Masahiro Seshimo, Researcher
Hajime Nakano, Researcher

Bo Liu, Researcher
Kunio Sakuyama, concurrently with the
Research & Coordination GroupShin-ichi Nakao
Director,
Chief Researcher

Research and Development of Innovative Environmental and Energy
Technologies that Use Inorganic Membranes and Efforts toward
Practical Use and Industrialization
1. Introduction

genseparationandpurification

andCO2/CH4

Inorganic membranes, such as silica membranes

separation; separation of organic compounds, such as

and zeolite membranes, have features, such as heathydrocarbons; and other research fields using silica

resistance and environmental resistance, in addition tomembranes, zeolite membranes, palladium mem-

their high separation performance, and are expected tobranes with each having excellent features as core

be applicable to various applications. They have thetechnologies. In the industrial collaboration division,

potential to achieve significant energy savings com-

we established the Industrialization Strategy Council

pared to conventional separation and purification

with four inorganic separation membrane support man-methods, such as the distillation or adsorption method,ufacturers and twelve user companies to share the vi-

and they are also being developed for CO2 capture ap-

sion of manufacturers and user companies and to plan

plications or hydrogen separation and purification ap-

joint research. Members have meetings regularly andplications essential for hydrogen society construction.

are promoting activities, such as working groups, for

Therefore, they attract great attention as an environ-actively establishing national projects.

ment and energy technology that contributes to con-

In fiscal 2017, we achieved successes, such asservation of the global environment. However, theirdeveloping a silica membrane with the worldʼs best hy-

practical application has been limited to some uses,

drogen separation performance, in the development ofsuch as dehydration of alcohol, and future efforts toa membrane reactor for methylcyclohexane (MCH) de-promptly commercialize and industrialize the innova-hydrogenation as an efficient transportation and stor-

tive environmental and energy technologies using inor-

age technology for hydrogen. Also, remarkable prog-

ganic membranes are required.

ress has been made for CCU (carbon capture and

The Inorganic Membranes Research Center

utilization) technologies, and our technology has been

(IMeRC) established in April 2016 is promoting activi-

adopted for a new NEDO project. In addition, at theties with research and development and industrial col-Industrialization Strategy Council, activities, such aslaboration as the bilateral aim for the early commercial-working groups for establishing a national project,ization and industrialization of innovative environmental

have been in full-scale operation. In this paper, we will

and energy technologies using inorganic membranes.

introduce the main results and future prospects of the

The organization is also composed of a research divi-

research department, such as the development of ansion and an industrial collaboration division. The re-

MCH dehydrogenation membrane reactor and effec-

search division is developing technologies for hydro-

tive technology for the use of carbon dioxide, and activ-

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ities of the industrialization strategy council.

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carrier and the development of a dehydrogenation system using inorganic hydrogen separation membranes

2. Development of Silica Membrane Reactors for ation

for organic chemical hydrides in collaboration with Chiyoda Corporation. In this project, further improvements

Hydrogen-Based Society
The development of efficient hydrogen transporta-

in hydrogen separation performance, development ofand storage methods is essential for building

the longer silica membranes, single tubular membranehydrogen-based society. As a promising method,

reactor development for dehydrogenation and purifica-

the concept of an energy carrier is proposed, wheretion from methylcyclohexane, and bench-scale dehy-hydrogen is converted into chemical hydrides that candrogenating apparatus development consisting of sev-

be efficiently transported and stored, such as methyl-eral membrane reactors have been carried out.

acyclohexane and ammonia. Then, the chemical hy-

In the development of hydrogen separation perfor-

dride is transported and stored to take out hydrogen atmance, both the higher hydrogen permeation (hydro-

a place and time where it is required. (Figure 1)

gen permeance) rate and higher blocking property for

Figure 1 : Energy Carrier

The technology for the conversion of hydrogen to

the other molecules (separation factor α= H2 perme-

methylcyclohexane or ammonia has already been es-

ance/SF6 permeance) are required. It is well known

tablished as a mass production technology, but an ex-

that the compatibility of the high permeance and thetraction technology for hydrogen has not yet been de-high α is hard, and those are in trade-off relationships.

veloped as a definitive method. An excellent catalyst

To break the trade-off relationships, we tried to attributefor dehydrogenation has recently been developed, but

the phenomena to individual factors to reach the high-a technology for highly pure hydrogen to be supplied to

est performance of H2 permeance > 3.5×10-6 mol/a fuel cell has not yet been established.

(m2・sec・Pa) and separation factor α 63,000 (Figure 2).

IMeRC develops membrane reactors using a sili-

In the development of the longer silica membrane,

ca membrane, which is prepared by counter-diffusion

a 500 mm length of silica membrane was developed.

chemical vapor deposition (CVD), for the purpose of

As described above, in order to get good performancethe development and commercialization of the efficientfrom a silica membrane, it is necessary to achieve bothand stable production of highly pure hydrogen frompermeance and a separation factor at a high level. For

methylcyclohexane for small- to medium-sized cus-that purpose, there needs to be a technique to maketomers, such as commercial establishments and officepores homogeneous with a molecular size of about 3-5

buildings.

Å, without pinholes, over 500 mm. As a result of a mul-This work is funded by the NEDO Advancement oftifaceted investigation assuming the correlation andHydrogen Technologies and Utilization Project for themechanism of film formation and the formed film, weanalysis and development of hydrogen as an energy

succeeded in forming a high performance silica film of41

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fect, and demonstrated its effectiveness (Figures 4, 5).

Figure 4 : Diagram of a tubular single membrane reactor

Figure 2 : High Performance of the Obtained Membrane

500 mmL equivalent to a 200 mmL silica membrane,
and a further length improvement up to 500 mm, which
would be applied to the industrial membrane reactor,
was achieved by improving the CVD fabrication apparatus. In FY 2016, we also made certain achievements,
such as further improvement of the hydrogen separa-

Figure 5 : Equilibrium shift in a membrane reactor

tion performance of silica membranes, compared withthe previous one (Figure 3).

In FY 2017, we are studied the tubular single
membrane reactor when the pressure on the reaction
side increased. Up to now, because the supply side
pressure was limited to 300 kPaA by the High Pressure
Gas Safety Law, the pressure on the permeate side
was reduced, but because of the deregulation in November 2016, it became possible to further increase
the supply pressure. We started investigating whether
it was possible to remove the pump and set the permeation side to normal pressure.
As a result of the simulation, even when the supply pressure is set to 500 kPaA / permeation pressure
105 kPaA, the same conversion would be obtained, as

Figure 3 : Developments of the Longer Silica Membrane

the standard condition with the supply pressure of 300
kPa A / permeation pressure 25 kPaA (Figure 6). This

The membrane reactor is a reactor in which theresult indicates that there is a high possibility of reduc-equilibrium shift effect can be obtained, and conversion

ing facility costs, such as depressurization pump re-can be improved by selectively removing the productmoval. Currently, we collect basic data by experimentfrom the reaction field using an inorganic separation

using a tubular single membrane reactor.

membrane.

In the development to modularize the membrane

We studied the MCH dehydrogenation reaction

reactor, we built a reactor consisting of seven silica

using a tubular single membrane reactor, which wasmembranes 200 mm in length and accumulated oper-

experimentally confirmed a clear equilibrium shift ef-

ating data. Based on the obtained data, improvement42

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Figure 6 : Simulation Results at High Pressure Supply

Figure 8 : Operation Result of the Bench-scale Membrane Reactorof the reactor structure was promoted, and in FY 2017,

power generation, next generation thermal power de-

we designed and fabricated a bench-scale apparatus

velopment of power generation infrastructure technolo-

composed of three 500 mm length silica membranes,

gy, and the development of technology for effective

which are estimated to be the practical sizes, and vari-utilization of CO2 as a project of the New Energy andous engineering data were collected with this bench-

Industrial

scale apparatus (Figure 7).

(NEDO).

Technology

Development

Organization

Thermal power generation using coal, which is anatural resource excellent in supply stability and economic efficiency, is positioned as an important powersource that will contribute 26% of the domestic electricity supply amount in fiscal year 2030 in terms of longterm energy supply and demand forecast. However,coal-fired power plants emit comparatively large volumes of CO2, and CO2 utilization (CCU: carbon capture
and utilization) is being studied after separation andrecovery. Although large-scale processing of CO2 is difficult at the present time, it is also possible to create
profits and value by manufacturing valuable resources
utilizing renewable energy. In the future, it is necessary
to utilize the advantages of coal-fired power generation
Figure 7 : Bench-scale Membrane Reactor

mutually by utilizing renewable energy in the attempt toensure the stable supply of electricity and a reduction

As a result, it was verified that a significant equilib-

in CO2 emissions in our country.

rium shift was confirmed even with the 500 mm length

Therefore, in this project, we aim to establish fu-

silica membrane and that a conversion rate greatly ex-ture promising CCU technologies in anticipation of fis-ceeding the equilibrium conversion rate of 42.1% was

cal year 2030 and beyond and can further grant indus-

obtained (Figure 8). In the future, we plan to further

trial competitiveness to Japanʼs excellent clean coalimprove the equipment for scaling up, continue collect-technology (CCT). We plan to establish a comprehen-ing engineering data, and achieve practical develop-

sive evaluation of CCU technologies for the effective

ment.

use of CO2 in the product manufacturing process andsystem with the aim of establishing CCU technology.

3. Development of CCU Technology

We plan to investigate CO2 separation and recovery

In October 2017, RITE, JFE Steel Corporation, thetechnology and effective utilization technology with theInstitute of Applied Energy (IAE), INPEX Corporation,

cooperation of the chemical research group and theand Hitachi Zosen Corporation collaborated in theplanning research group.

technological development of next generation thermal

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4. Development of pure silica CHA type zeolite
membrane

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5. Activities and efforts toward commercializationand industrialization

Thirty or more types of aluminosilicate zeolite

The Industry Collaboration Section of the IMeRC

membranes have been reported so far; however, pureestablished the Industrialization Strategy Council to-silica zeolite membranes have only reported LTA mem-

gether with manufacturers of separation membranes,

branes in addition to MFI and DDR. We succeeded insupport manufacturers, and user companies on April

synthesizing two types of pure silica zeolite mem-

15, 2016.

branes, which were not reported in the past (Si-CHA

As of January 2018, sixteen selective membrane

membrane (RITE-1), and Si-STT membranes (RITE-

and support manufacturers and user companies partic-2), patent pending). As a result of the investigations,

ipate in this Council. Our goal is to establish an inor-

we found that Si-CHA zeolite membranes having a ①

ganic membrane industry that contributes to innovative

three dimensional structure, ② high pore volume, andenvironmental and energy technologies by promoting③ oxygen 8 - membered ring pore can attain both wa-

a common vision for manufacturers and user compa-

ter vapor resistance and high CO2 permeance.

nies, as well as a joint research plan involving national

As shown in Figure 9, the CO2/CH4 separation performance of the Si-CHA membrane shows a CO2 permeation rate of 4.0 × 10 mol/m sPa or more and a-6

2

projects and other initiatives.
To realize this goal, we are promoting various activities, which include the following:

CO2/CH4 permeation rate ratio of 100 or more. It showsa) Conducting needs and seeds matching meet-better separation performance than the previously re-ings toward the practical use of innovative envi-

ported zeolite membranes. In addition, even when ex-

ronmental and energy technologies that use in-posed to water vapor, there is no change in permeation

organic membranes, and the establishment andperformance, and since it has water vapor resistance,

operation of a research group in which a future

it is considered to be a membrane structure more suit-roadmap will be prepared

able for practical use. To further increase the separation performance of Si-CHA membranes, it will be nec-b) Planning joint implementation projects fundedby the government and NEDO

essary to optimize the module structure and thec) Acceptance of researchers from council mem-

method of introducing the supply gas to the module.

bers to the Research Section of the IMeRC and
Implementation of training workshopsd) Offering technical guidance from the IMeRC advisory board and Research Sectione) Hosting exclusive technology seminars forcouncil membersf) Offering exclusive supply services (“Needs andSeeds Technology Information”) to council members
As for the Research Group activities, after careful
examination and selection of the theme in the previous

Fig. 9 : CO2/CH4 separation performance of Si-CHA membraneThis newly developed Si-CHA membrane has highfiscal year, the following three Research Groups were
set up in November 2016, and they started activities.
a) CO2 Separation Research Grouppotential and the capability for various separation ap-b) Hydrogen Production Research Group

plications besides CO2 separation applications. Wec) Common Base (Reliability Evaluation Method)

have confirmed the usefulness as a hydrogen separa-

Research Grouption membrane to date. Currently, we are studying longIn fiscal 2017, we conduct surveys and studies

modularization aiming at commercialization and thethrough activities in both the Research Group meeting

separation process using these membranes.

and its subsidiary research workshop (each ResearchGroup had six to seven meetings, respectively, up-to

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the end of 2017), and they are creating a roadmap for

In addition, we support the various activities ofpractical use and preparing for projects funded at gov-

council members toward promoting the practical use

ernment expense. All three Research Groups are aim-

and industrialization of inorganic membranes by pro-ing for projects funded by government to start in FY

viding a summary of the remarkable lectures with RITE

2019.

comments on the 14th International Conference on In-

In addition, technology seminars for council mem-organic Membranes (ICIM 2016) and the 7th Interna-bers are held four times annually (three times as of thetional Zeolite Membrane Meeting (IZMM 2016), which

end of 2017), in which the latest R&D trends, needs,

are international conferences related to inorganicand seeds are introduced in a total of 10 lectures given

membranes.

by IMeRC advisory board members, member companies, and the IMeRC with active discussions among

6. In conclusion

participants. The participants are pleased to take partAs mentioned above, in FY 2017, the second year

in the seminars, not only because they can acquireof the establishment of the IMeRC, we are steadily

knowledge of inorganic membranes, which is useful forachieving results from the research and development

promoting the practical use and industrialization of thenecessary for hydrogen production, transportation,

membranes, but also because they have the opportu-

and storage. In the CCU technology field, our technol-

nity to interact with other frontline researchers fromogy has been adopted for a new NEDO project. Activi-

member companies and organizations.

ties toward commercialization and industrialization of

In October 2017, a two-day training workshop was

research and development results are also in full-held at the graduate school of Yamaguchi University.

fledged operation. We may be able to say that the

Lectures and experiments in membrane formation

foundation of our center is solidifying. We would like tomethods related to inorganic membranes and guid-

continue working diligently to become a core organiza-

ance on analytical and evaluation methods for pre-tion leading the development and practical application

pared membranes were provided in the workshop. Tenof inorganic membranes in the world in the future.

young researchers from seven companies took part in
the workshop. They were able to learn the actual inorganic membrane experiment method and to have valuable experiences (Figure 10).

Figure 10 : Exclusive training workshop for young and middleclass researchers at Yamaguchi University

We also conduct patent and literature surveys related to the seminar lecture content, and periodicallyprovide council members with Needs and Seeds Technology Information, which has special comments fromthe IMeRC in the abstract.

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Research & Coordination Group

IPCC Workshop and Symposium on Global WarmingCountermeasures
As the Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016, the writing and review process of the Special
Report on the impacts of Global Warming of 1.5℃ (SR1.5) has been underway. With respect to the 6th Assessment
Report (AR6) whose outline has been approved in September 2017, authors were selected in February 2018, andthen the writing and review process will be started toward its completion in 2022. On this opportunity, the IPCC Workshop and Symposium, with the title “To Think about Measures for Mitigation of Global Warming -Activities and Perspectives in the IPCCʼs 6th Assessment Cycle-“, were respectively held under the sponsorship by METI and the cosponsorship by RITE in November 2017. Participants were about 290 in total.
(1) IPCC Workshop
Date : 24 November, 2017
Venue : Main Tower in Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Tokyo)
Program :・Keynote lecture “Key findings from the WG III Fifth
Assessment report and plans for AR6”
Jim Skea (Co-chair of IPCC Working Group III)・Lecture-1 “On CO2 zero emission technology-A request to IPCC AR6 WG III-” Yoichi Kaya (RITE)・Lecture-2 “New approach on carbon price comparison -Old but new indicator-” Junko Ogawa (IEEJ)

・Panel Discussion“Expectations, issues regarding IPCC and how

WGIII contribution” Diana Ürge-Vorsatz (Vicechair of IPCC Working Group III)・Lecture-1 “Deep decarbonization in buildings sector
towards 2050”

Shuzo Murakami(IBEC)

・Lecture-2 “Business sectorsʼefforts and expectation
for IPCC” Hiroyuki Tezuka (Keidanren)

・Panel Discussion“Expectations, issues regarding IPCC and how

to tackle global warming”
Moderator, Mitsutsune Yamaguchi (RITE)
Panelists,
Diana Ürge-Vorsatz (IPCC), Keigo Akimoto (RITE)
Jun Arima (The University of Tokyo)

to tackle global warming”

Yumiko Iwafune (The University of Tokyo)

Moderator, Mitsutsune Yamaguchi (RITE)

Hiroyuki Tezuka (Keidanren)

Panelists,

Takashi Hongo (MITSUI & Co. Global Strategic

Jim Skea (IPCC), Ayumi Onuma (Keio University)

Studies Institute)Junko Ogawa (IEEJ), Taishi Sugiyama (CIGS)
Tsutomu Kajino (TOYOTA Central R&D Labs., Inc.)

The keynote lecture on mitigation strategies in an
urban, the importance of AR6 affecting to policy mak-Following the keynote lecture of Professor Jimers, and new elements of assessment in AR6 cycle

Skea on principal findings from AR5 and the aspira-

was presented by Professor Diana Ürge-Vorsatz.

tions and challenges to AR6, President Kaya and Ms.

Then, President Murakami and Mr.Tezuka gave lec-

Ogawa presented key elements and important issuestures respectively on the current status and future

which should be contained in AR6. In addition, a panel

prospects of decarbonization in buildings sector, anddiscussion on expectations, issues regarding IPCC

efforts and expectation for IPCC in business sectors. In

and how to tackle global warming was also held by

the latter panel discussion session, a meaningful dis-Professor Jim Skea and some Japanese experts ofcussion was implemented with many questions andvarious fields.

comments from participants.

(2) IPCC Symposium
Date : 29 November, 2017
Venue : TKP Gardencity PREMIUM Kyobashi (Tokyo)
Support : Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation (IBEC)
Program :・Keynote lecture “New elements of assessment in the
IPCCʼs Sixth Assessment cycle with focus on the46

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Research & Coordination Group

Research & Coordination Group

Signing Ceremony of Donation
Sponsored by Aramco Asia Japan

Innovative Environmental
Technology Symposium 2017
~Development and Promotion of Innovative Technologies
for Long-term Strategy to Mitigate Global Warming~

RITE was selected as a recipient of the donation
sponsored by Aramco Asia Japan K.K. (AAJ), the Japanese entity of Saudi Aramco, the worldʼs largest stateowned oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
and a signing ceremony for the agreement of the donation was held at the office of AAJ in Marunouchi, Tokyo,
on Friday August 4th.
This donation is intended to contribute to the environmental protection and the research activities concerning environment, and this time it was awarded tosupport the research and development activities of innovative technologies to mitigate global warming such
as CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) that
RITE conducts. At the signing ceremony, Mr. Anwar
Hejazi, Representative Director of AAJ, stated his expectations toward further advancement of our research, and Mr. Yoichi Kaya, President of RITE, expressed words of gratitude in response describing
RITEʼs willingness to promote its research by utilizing
the donation, and both parties signed the agreement.
Saudi Aramco, the main body of the enterprise,
also shows a great interest in our technologies for mitigating global warming including CCS, and several research engineers and experts came from Saudi Arabia
to visit our research facilities a few years ago.
We would like to take this opportunity to promotefurther information exchange and strengthen cooperative relationship with Saudi Aramco and AAJ.

This symposium is an annual event that RITE
hosts to present our research progress and achievements. This year we were honored to invite Mr.
Kishimoto, Deputy Director-General for Environmental
Affairs, METI, to deliver a speech on the outcomes of
COP23 and the direction of Japanʼs long-term strategy
for mitigating global warming. After that, Prof. Yamaji,
Director-General of RITE, gave a keynote speech on
the measures and the challenges to generate a drastic
innovation of energy and global warming mitigation
technologies toward zero emission of CO2 in the future,
followed by the presentations from each researchgroup and center on the latest achievements and thefuture outlook of our R&D activities. In the poster session, which was held for three hours this year, the participants and the researchers of RITE had an active
exchange of ideas.
Program・Guest speech: Current status and future prospectsof global warming issue
Michihiro Kishimoto, Deputy Director-General for
Environmental Affairs, METI・Keynote speech: Role of innovation in long-term
measures to mitigate global warming
Kenji Yamaji, Director-General・Actions toward practical application of CO2 separation and capture technologies
Shin-ichi Nakao, Group Leader, Chemical Research Group・Research and Development toward deployment oflarge-scale CO2 geological storage technologies
Ziqiu Xue, Group Leader, CO2 Storage ResearchGroup・Actions toward practical application of inorganic
membranes as innovative environmental and energy
technologies
Shin-ichi Nakao, Director, Inorganic Membranes
Research Center・Development of biorefinery production technology
toward realization of low-carbon society
Masayuki Inui, Group Leader, Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group・Evaluation on emission reduction efforts of NDCs
and policies by country under the Paris Agreement
Keigo Akimoto, Group Leader, Systems Analysis
Group・Trend of technologies toward zero emission of CO2
Hideaki Tsuzuku, Director, Group Leader, Research & Coordination Group47

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Systems Analysis Group

Systems Analysis GroupFY2016 ALPS International Symposium
Policies and Measures by Nations under
the Paris Agreement, and the Challenges

Winning of Best Paper Award andKaya Award of Japan Society ofEnergy and Resources

The Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016. Under a new framework of the Agreement,
almost all nations would submit their emission reduction targets for mutual review, and issues are becoming elicited for each nation. In order to help obtain better perspectives of future response measures with
better understanding on nationsʼ state, ALPS International Symposium was held to disseminate the research achievements of the project and also to present
lectures by eminent specialists. One of the key messages was the importance of working out better strategies toward climate change, in line with sustainable
development with various uncertainties (scientific, economic, societal and political) taken into account.
Date
7 February 2017
Venue
Toranomon Hills Forum (Tokyo)
Organization
RITE
Co-organization Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Number of participants 298
Program・Grand transformation toward sustainable future for all
Nebojsa Nakicenovic, Deputy Director General/
Deputy CEO, IIASA・Principles of a response strategy to the climate risk
Kenji Yamaji, Director-General, RITE
・How to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement - Experiences from Germany and Europe
Georg Erdmann, Professor, Berlin University ofTechnology
・Frozen: UK climate change policy in the age of Brexit
Pilita Clark, Environment Correspondent, Financial Times
・Preliminary assessment of potential policy options
to meet Saudi Arabiaʼs carbon mitigation goals under the Paris Accord
Douglas Cooke, Director, KAPSARC
・The Trump administration and U.S. climate policy
Takahiro Ueno, Senior Research Scientist, Central
Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry
・Achieving long-term UK emissions reductions target in
the light of short-term political and societal challenges
Neil Strachan, Professor, University College London
・Evaluations on emission reduction efforts of nationallydetermined contributions under the Paris Agreement
Keigo Akimoto, Group Leader, Systems Analysis
Group, RITE

Dr. Oda, Senior Researcher, and Dr. Gi, Researcher of the Systems Analysis Group, have been
awarded 2017 Best Paper Award and Kaya Award ofJapan Society of Energy and Resources respectively.
Best Paper Award is conferred on an author of theresearch paper, which was published in the Journal ofJapan Society of Energy and Resources and made asignificant contribution to a development of science ofenergy, resources and environment. Kaya Award isconferred on a young researcher who presented a paper at the conference of the Society and recognized its
excellent accomplishment.
Dr. Oda was awarded Best Paper Award for his
research paper “Study on Coal Power Plant and Carbon Capture and Storage Investments based on Real
Options”, in which he analyzed investment risks forbusiness operators to invest in coal-fired plant (withCCS) and gas-fired plant (with CCS) under uncertainties of future LNG prices and carbon prices, utilizing
Real Options method. It highlighted that predictable
and stable carbon price is desired in order to promote
investment to CCS under uncertainties.
Dr. Gi was awarded Kaya Award for his research
paper “Cost-Effective Energy Systems in Consideration of Climate Change Mitigation and Ambient PM2.5
Concentration Reduction”, which quantitatively estimates co-benefits derived from two different policies;
climate change mitigation and air pollution reduction,by analyzing cost- effective energy systems. It indicated areas with greater co-benefits, measures that bringco-benefits, impacts on energy systems, trade-offs andcost-effective measures.
The Awarding ceremony was held after the Annual
Meeting of the Society on 7th June of 2017, where testimonials were bestowed on Dr. Oda and Dr. Gi.

Dr. OdaDr. Gi48

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Systems Analysis Group

Chemical Research Group

COP23 Side Event
Towards Sustainable Climate Change Response
Measures under the Paris Agreement

Win the Japan Institute ofEnergy Award for Distinguished
Paper 2017

The RITE side event at COP23 addressed the is-

The Japan Institute of Energy Award for Distin-sue of sustainable climate change response measures,

guished Paper 2017 was given to “Potential of Amine-

especially based on Nationally Determined Contribu-

based Solvents for Energy-saving CO2 Capture from ations (NDCs). After an introduction by Dr. Kopp of RFF,

Coal-fired Power Plant” presented by Dr. Goto, Dr.

Dr. Akimoto presented RITEʼs work in assessing the

Chowdhury, Dr. Yamada and Mr. Higashii. The awards

targets in the Paris agreement: NDCs as well as long-

ceremony with a commemorative lecture was held atterm targets. As NDCsʼ ambitions are to be evaluatedthe annual conference in Nagoya in August.

and raised through a Pledge and Review process thatIn the paper, the potential of amine-based sol-is under discussion, the study offers tools to measure

vents was investigated by a thermodynamic analysis

and compare the level of effort of the NDCs. Regarding

for low-energy CO2 capture from the flue gas of a ther-long-term targets, Dr. Akimoto insisted on the impor-

mal power plant. The results showed that the solvent

tance of social and technological innovation to achieve

characteristics of high CO2 cyclic capacity and low ab-

the 2 degrees target with more realistic measures thansorption heat had an important effect on reducing thevery high explicit carbon prices. Dr. Carraro presented

thermal energy requirement for CO2 capture. Also, thea FEEM study on how NDCs would impact the imple-

impact of amine-based solvent performance on thementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

power generation efficiency of the power plant was(SDGs). Dr. Navarra of CMCC talked about various

quantitatively clarified. The award is given for those ac-models for climate policy. Mr. Tezuka introduced thecomplishments that contribute to the advancement of

KEIDANRENʼs Voluntary Action Plan and the NDCs

CO2 capture technology for CCS.

submission process.

Although CO2 capture by chemical absorption is

Date

14 November 2017

on a practical level, further reduction of energy perfor-

Venue

COP23 Japan Pavilion (Bonn, Ger-

mance is strongly required. Because the paper shows

many)

the limitations of simple aqueous amine solvents, we

RITE

need innovative technologies. The Chemical Research

Organization

Co-organization RFF, FEEM

Group has been engaged in the research and development of CO2 capture technologies through a variety ofdifferent approaches from the perspective of both materials and processes.

RITE results were also presented at a RFF side
event by Dr. Shoai-Tehrani in the Turkish Pavilion on
November 15.

Dr. Goto49Topics 

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CO2 Storage Research Group

CO2 Storage Research Group

Distributed Fiber Optics Sensing
at the CaMI FRS Site

CCS Technical Workshop

A test facility called CaMI / FRS in Calgary in Canada is available for the development and verification ofmonitoring technologies for geological CO2 storage,
operated by the Containment and Monitoring Institute(CaMI), which is part of CMC Research Institutions,
Inc. and the University of Calgary. The goals of CaMI/FRS are to evaluate saturation of gaseous CO2 in the
ground and to develop and improve monitoring techniques for early detection of CO2 migration in the
ground. In the project, CMC, the University of Calgary
and a number of other institutes - one from Canada,
two from Norway, two from the USA and one from Germany - is conducting the verification of various monitoring technologies, including 3D seismic survey, Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) survey, microseismic
observation, electric survey, gravitational survey, s tiltmeters, temperature measurement, and monitoring for
geochemical reaction, ground water and the surface
environment. In October 2017, CO2 was injected into a
300m-deep reservoir as phase 1 and monitoring is currently ongoing (Figure).

２０１８

The CCS Technical Workshop was held to introduce outcomes from CCS projects in USA, and up-todate expertise and methodologies, including risk management, applied to large-scale geological CO2 storage
demonstration such as Decatur in the USA and Smeaheia in Norway. The presentations there included the
update of R&D being undertaken by the Geological
Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology Research Association (GCS).
Agenda・Talk 1: Designing a commercial-scale storage site:
Assessing the value of a pilot project
Scott Frailey Illinois State Geological Survey, USA・Talk 2: An overview of the US-Japan Collaboration
on CCS Technologies and the NRAP ProjectZiqiu Xue, Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage
Technology Research Association (GCS), Japan・Talk 3: Fiber-optic sensing technology for CCS monitoring
Barry Freifeld LBNL, USA・Talk 4: Progress of R&D in Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology Research Association in Japan
Ziqiu Xue, Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage

Figure CaMI site location and project overview

The CO2 Storage Research Group is verifying atechnique to measure strains of geological formations
with distributed fiber-optics sensing (DFOS) at the
CaMI /FRS site. In November 2017, we conducted the
1st measurement test, using optic fibers for distributeacoustic sensing (DAS) installed by the US Laurence
Barkley National Laboratory (LBNL) at the site. The
analysis of the test results revealed that responses
vary depending on types and installment ways of optic
fibers. We plan the 2nd field measurement in summer
2018. Comparative analyses between results from ourmeasurement and those from other techniques are expected to contribute to deepening understanding of
CO2 migration in shallow formations and to demonstrate the applicability of fiber optics to early detectionof CO2 leakage.

Technology Research Association (GCS), Japan・Talk 5: How Norway is building a full-scale CCS value chain
Kari-Lise Rorvik GASSNOVA, Norway

Reference
Lawton et al. (2016) CaMI Field Research Station: Shallow CO2 release monitoring. IEAGHG Monitoring and Modelling Workshop.

50

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Inorganic Membranes Research Center (IMeRC)

Inorganic Membranes Research Center (IMeRC)

Highly Functional Ceramics
Expo Osaka

Inorganic Membranes Research Center
Symposium to Explore the Future

The second Highly Functional Ceramics ExpoAt this symposium, leading researchers in the field

Osaka, organized by Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd., wasof inorganic membranes or energy technologies gave

held at INTEX Osaka on 20-22 September 2017. We

lectures on the latest trends in their research fields,

introduced the R&D activities of RITE by showing sam-and then the director reported the latest research andples and models of inorganic membranes (silica, palla-

development results at our Inorganic Membranes Re-

dium, and zeolite membranes) that are currently being

search Center. In the panel discussion, panelists fromstudied by the IMeRC. We also introduced the Industri-

METI, corporate management, and the director of ouralization Strategy Council and our other efforts to put

center eagerly discussed the prospects for putting in-innovative environmental and energy technologies that

novative environmental and energy technologies using

use inorganic membranes into practical and industrial

inorganic membranes into practical use and industrial-use. Over 220 people, including selective membrane

ization. From the participants of the symposium, wemanufacturers and potential user companies, came toearned a good reputation and that they understood thethe RITE booth and discussed the use and advantages

possibilities and problems of inorganic membranes.

of inorganic membranes. We will put the opinions of
the attendees to good use in our future R&D activities
and in strengthening industrial collaborations. Finally,
we would like to thank all visitors for coming.

Program・Keynote Speech: The role of Innovation in Energy
and Environment Policy
Kenji Yamaji, Director General, RITE
・Special lecture ①: The latest trend in the inorganic
membrane separation process and future prospects
Masahiko Matsukata, Professor, Waseda University
・Special lecture ② : Trends and issues for building
the hydrogen-based society- Role of carbon-free hydrogen and inorganic membranes
Ken Okazaki, Institute Professor, Tokyo Institute ofTechnology
・Activity report: Research results of the Inorganic
Membranes Research Center and future plans
Shinichi Nakao, Director, Inorganic Membrane
Research Center, RITE
・Panel Discussion“Toward industrialization of innovative environments
and energy technologies using inorganic membranes - The role of the Industrialization Strategy
Council, Inorganic Membranes Research Center,
RITE - “Coordinator; Hirofumi Kyutoku, Advisor, Osaka
Gas Co., Ltd. (Chairman of the Industrialization
Strategy Council)
Panelist; Takeru Numadate, METIRITE booth

Shinichi Nakao, RITE
Toshiyuki Shiraki, Hitachi Zosen
Yasuo Hosono, Chiyoda Corporation
Takashi Yasuda, JGC Corporation

51

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Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

BioJapan 2017
The World Business Forum ʻBioJapan 2017ʼ was held at PACIFICO Yokohama on October 11-13, 2017, and it
was jointly conducted with Regenerative Medicine JAPAN 2017 for the second consecutive year.
The number of visitors was 14,153 in 2015; 15,133 in 2016; and 15,711 in 2017, which was the largest ever.
1. RITE put up a joint booth at the exhibition in collaboration with Green Phenol Development Co., Ltd

9) New trends for biotechnological production ofgreen-aromatic compounds(GPD). In the booth, we introduced our key technologies, and the current projects funded by METI and

We also had exhibits that included various sam-

NEDO. We also explained the activities of Greenples and pictures, such as several non-food biomass-

Earth Institute Co., Ltd (GEI), as examples of thees, the amino acid that is the first commercial product

RITE Bioprocessʼ commercial uses, and technolo-

from GEI using the RITE Bioprocess, GEIʼs ethanol forgies of green phenol.

cosmetics, and green phenolic moldings from GPD.

[Posters in the exhibition booth]1) Introduction of RITE and research groups2) RITE Bioprocess, a key technology for biorefineryfrom non-food biomass3) R&D of bio-hydrogen production4) R&D of bio-butanol production5) R&D for production of 100% green jet fuel6) Industrialization of RITE Bioprocess7) Green Phenol Development Co., Ltd.
8) Development of bioprocess for production of green
phenol2. In the NEDO booth located near our booth, RITE
also exhibited a panel of our R&D funded by NEDO
project ʻSmart cellʼ, ʻValidation of metabolic models
by improving productivity of useful aromatic compounds by Corynebacterium glutamicumʼ.
3. RITEʼs two associate chief researchers made presentations on the following projects funded by METI
on the stage in the Exhibition Hall on October 12.
# Kazumi Hiraga, ʻProduction of biobutanol for biofuels from non-edible biomassʼ# Haruhiko Teramoto, ʻHighly efficient bio-hydrogenproduction from non-edible biomassʼ
We appreciate your attending this event and visiting our booth.

52

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Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

Introduction of new METI project “A novel versatile bioprocess"Alcohols, aldehydes, and phenols are importantneeds to be considered for each chemical. For thesechemicals that are used for production of synthetic res-reasons, it is difficult to achieve a rational and rapid

ins, plasticizer, pharmaceuticals, and flavors. They are

improvement of productivity of toxic chemicals by con-also used as transportation fuels such as jet fuelventional bioprocess.

through chemical conversion processes. At present,

Hence, we have started developing a novel bio-

most of these useful chemicals are produced from pe-process that makes it possible to realize high produc-

troleum by chemical processes, which are generallytion of various toxic chemicals such as alcohols, alde-

performed under energy-consuming conditions such

hydes, and phenols, by a common process that is

as high temperature and high pressure and sometimes

totally different from conventional bioprocess. Our new

with expensive catalysts. On the other hand, biopro-

project, entitled “R&D of a novel versatile bioprocesscess using microbial fermentation is performed underfor high-production of toxic biochemicals” has been ad-

mild conditions such as room temperature and atmo-

opted by METI in 2017, and is ongoing.

spheric pressure with regenerative and cheap microbial catalysts. For this reason, bioprocess is a promisingtechnology for low-cost and low-carbon production of
useful chemicals. However, there are some problems
with the bioprocess. As many useful chemicals are toxic to microbes, it is very difficult to achieve high production of such toxic chemicals by conventional microbial
fermentation. In addition, produced chemicals are often required to be extracted from fermentation broth byenergy-consuming extraction methods such as distillation.
High-throughput screening of toxic-compound-resistant strains is widely performed for each toxic chemical to improve its productivity. However, such a strategy is unlikely to result in considerable improvements in
productivity in a short period. Several extraction methods have been developed to be used instead of distillation, but are still energy-consuming. Furthermore,these extraction methods are dependent on physicalproperties of extracted compounds, and the condition

Overview of versatile bioprocess53

Outreach Activities 

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In order to introduce the recent achievements of our research and development and also to promote the collaboration among industry, government and academia, RITE is providing the most advanced information for mitigating
global warming through symposiums and various media.
In addition, we actively engage in environmental education activities on global warming issue targeting students
from elementary school to high school mainly in the Keihanna district where RITE is located.

Symposiums
Date

Symposium Description

CCS Technical Workshop 201619 Jan. 2017

・Venue: Toranomon Hills Forum, Main Hall・Organizer: Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology Research Association
・Number of participants: 365

6th Symposium for Innovative CO2 Membrane Separation Technology
23 Jan. 2017

・Venue: Ito Hall・Organizer: Molecular Gate Membrane module Technology Research Association
・Number of participants: 201

Measures for tackling Global Warming
26 Jan. 2017

・Venue: Hatsumeikaikan
・Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
・Co-organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 250

FY2016 ALPS International Symposium
7 Feb. 2017

・Venue: Toranomon Hills Forum・Organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 298

Inorganic Membranes Research Center Symposium to Explore the Future
7 Nov. 2017

・Venue: Ito Hall・Organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 199

IPCC Workshop
14 Nov. 2017

・Venue: Shinagawa Prince Hotel・Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
・Co-organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 158

IPCC Symposium
29 Nov. 2017

・Venue: TKP Gardencity Premium Kyobashi
・Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
・Co-organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 126

Innovative Environmental Technology Symposium 2017
6 Dec. 2017

・Venue: Ito Hall・Organizer: RITE
・Number of participants: 389

CCS Technical Workshop
23 Jan. 2018

・Venue: Iino Hall・Organizer: Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Technology Research Association
・Number of participants: 320

Related Dept.

CO2 Storage
Research Group

ChemicalResearchGroup

Research &Coordination
Group

Systems Analysis
Group

Inorganic
Membranes
Research Center

Research &Coordination
Group

Research &Coordination
Group

Research &CoordinationGroup

CO2 Storage
Research Group54

Outreach Activities 

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Exhibitions
Dates

Event Description

Related Dept.

20-22 Sep.
2017

2nd Highly Functional Ceramics Expo Osaka・Venue: INTEX Osaka・Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.,

Inorganic Membranes
Research Center

11-13 Oct.
2017

BioJapan 2017
・Venue: Paciﬁco Yokohama
・Organizer: BioJapan Organizing Committee, JTB Communication Design, Inc.

Molecular Microbiology
and Biotechnology
Group

Press Releases
Date

Title

5 Jan. 2017

Announcement of ALPS International Symposium

19 Sep. 2017

Energy-saving CO2 separation and capture system to be tested for practical use at Maizuru Power Plant, Kansai
Electric Power

29 Sep. 2017

Announcement of Inorganic Membranes Research Center Symposium to Explore the Future

17 Oct. 2017

Announcement of Innovative Environmental Technology Symposium 2017

6 Nov. 2017

Announcement of IPCC Workshop

13 Nov. 2017

Announcement of IPCC Symposium

27 Nov. 2017

Announcement of CCS Technical Workshop

1 Dec. 2017

Announcement of 7th Symposium for Innovative CO2 Membrane Separation Technology

Environmental Education◇Facility Visit Program and Lecture
Number ofparticipants

Date

Place

Participants

19 Jan.

RITE

Seikaminami Junior High School

5

25 Jan.

RITE

Kizugawadai Elementary School

31

20 Feb.

Seikaminami Junior High School

Seikaminami Junior High School

Approx. 60

8 May

RITE

Narakita High School

38

19 MayRITE

Seika Junior High School

10

2 Aug.

RITE

Nishimaizuru High School

8

28 Sep.

RITE

Naragakuen Tomigaoka Junior High School

12

13 Oct.

RITE

MASUDA Senior High School

22

11 Nov.

Suzaku Daiyon Elementary School

Suzaku Daiyon Elementary School27

17 Nov.

RITE

Seikanishi Junior High School

12◇Workshop and Exhibition
Date

Place

4 Feb.

Keihanna-Plaza

Jul. - Aug.
24 Aug.
4 Feb.

Keihanna-Plaza

Title

Number ofparticipants

Global Warming and CCS Study Workshop “Science Experiment"

22

RITE

Global Warming and CCS Study Workshop “Experiment and Game"

66

RITE

Global Warming and CCS Study Workshop “Craft and Science Experiment"

54

KEIHANNA Science Festival 201755

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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Research & Coordination Group
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

Journal

ELECTRA, pp.49-55, No.291, April 2017

1

Environmental impact of dispersed generation

T. Smolka, M. Katagiri, A.L. Mustafa,
S. Hellweg, E. Mesquita, S. Martin, Y.
Nakagami, E. Szechowicz, T.
Dederichs, C. Capello, M. Haupt, L.
Eymann.

2Distinguishing feature of Japanese climate policy
planning process and the proposal for its improvement

M. Yamaguchi

The 22th Annual Meeting of Society for
Environmental Economics and Policy
Studies, Sep. 9, 20173

Climate Change: What Informs a Nationʼs policy?

M. Yamaguchi

The Japan Journal, pp.10-13, July/August,
2017

Systems Analysis Group
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

Journal1

Concept and Level of Carbon Price, and Ex-post
Evaluation of Carbon Pricing Policy

J. Oda, K. Akimoto

Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan,
Vol.13, No.1, 2017

2

Analyses on Japanʼs GHG Emission Reduction Target
for 2050 in Light of the 2℃ Target Stipulated in the
Paris Agreement

K. Akimoto, F. Sano

Journal of Japan Society of Energy andResources, Vol.38 No.1, 20173

Transdisciplinary co-design of scientific research
agendas: 40 research questions for socially relevant
climate engineering research

M. Sugiyama, S. Asayama, T. Kosugi,
A. Ishii, S. Emori, J. Adachi, K.
Akimoto, M. Fujiwara, T. Hasegawa, Y.
Hibi, K. Hirata, T. Ishii, T. Kaburagi, Y.
Kita, S. Kobayashi, A. Kurosawa, M.
Kuwata, K. Masuda, M. Mitsui, T.
Sustainability Science, Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp
Miyata, H. Mizutani, S. Nakayama, K. 31-44, Jan. 2017
Oyamada, T. Sashida, M. Sekiguchi,
K. Takahashi, Y. Takamura, J. Taki, T.
Taniguchi, H. Tezuka, T. Ueno, S.
Watanabe, N. Yamagishi, G.
Yoshizawa4

O.Y. Edelenbosch, K.Kermeli,Comparing projections of industrial energy demand and W.Crijns-Graus, E.Worrell, R.Bibas,
greenhouse gas emissions in long-term energy models B.Fais, S.Fujimori, P.Kyle, F. Sano,
D.P.van Vuuren

Energy, Vol. 122, pp. 701-710, Mar. 1,
20175Comparing emissions mitigation efforts across countries J. Aldy, B. Pizer, K. Akimoto

Climate Policy, Vol. 17, Issue 4, pp.
501-515, 20176

Next step in geoengineering scenario research:
Restrained deployment scenarios and beyond

M. Sugiyama, Y. Arino, T. Kosugi, A.
Kurosawa, S. Watanabe

Climate Policy, Published online Jun. 8,
20177

The analyses on the economic costs for achieving thenationally determined contributions and the expected
global emission pathways

K. Akimoto, F. Sano, B. Shoai-Tehrani

Evolutionary and Institutional Economics
Review, Vol. 14, Issue 1, pp 193-206, Jun.
20178

Low-emission pathways in 11 major economies:
comparison of cost-optimal pathways and Paris climate
proposals

H. L. van Soest, L. A. Reis, L. Drouet,
D. P. van Vuuren, M. G.J. den Elzen,
M. Tavoni, K. Akimoto, K. V. Calvin, P.
Fragkos, A. Kitous, G. Luderer, K.
Riahi

Climatic Change, Vol. 142, Issue 3, pp
491-504, Jun. 20179

Preliminary Study on Policy Mix Effects on Economic
Viability of Carbon Capture and Storage Project inJapanese Steel Industry

J. Oda, K. Akimoto

Energy Procedia, Volume 114, pp 76157624, July 201710

Prove Paris was more than paper promises

D. Victor, K. Akimoto, D. Cullenward,
C. Hepburn, Y. Kaya, M. Yamaguchi

Nature 548, 25-27, 03 August 201711

GHG emission pathways until 2300 for the 1.5°
C
temperature rise target and the mitigation costs
achieving the pathways

K. Akimoto, F. Sano, T. Tomoda

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for
Global Change, Published online: Sep. 5,
2017

12

Deregulation, market competition and innovation ofutilities: Evidence from Japanese electric sector

N. Wang, G. Mogi

Energy Policy, Vol. 111, pp.403-413,
December 201713

Future Fossil Fuel Price Impacts on NDC Achievement;
Estimation of GHG Emissions and Mitigation Costs

Y. Arino, F. Sano, K. Akimoto

Eurasian Journal of Economics andFinance, Vol. 5, Issue 4, pp.16-35, 201756

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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Systems Analysis Group
Other Paper
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

1

Global warming mitigation in consideration of the Paris
Agreement and energy mix

K. Akimoto

Enelog, Vol.24, 20172

Societal and economic implication of the Paris
Agreement goals

K. WadaEnvironmental Information Science 46-3,
2017

Oral Presentation (International Academic Society)
Title

Researchers

Forum
ICEESD 2017 : 19th International
Conference on Ecosystems, Environment
and Sustainable Development, Feb. 16-17,
2017, UK1

Economic Impacts of Climate Change Adaptation
Considering Spill-over Effects of Stock Investment as
Adaptation Measures: Coastal Sector

T. Homma, Y. Arino, A. Hayashi, M.
Nagashima, T. Tomoda, K. Akimoto2

Towards co-producing environmental scenario
research: A case of climate engineering

M. Sugiyama, Y. Arino, S. Asayama, A.
JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
Ishii, T. Kosugi, A. Kurosawa, S.
2017, Japan
Watanabe3

An analysis of long-term reduction scenario of CO2 andposition for CCS

Y. Nakagami, K. Akimoto

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
2017, Japan

4

Combined effects of electricity market liberalization andclimate policy: Lessons from Europe

B. Shoai-Tehrani, P. Da Costa, K.
Akimoto, Y. Nakagami

40th IAEE International Conference, Jun.
19, 2017

5

Deregulation and Utility Innovation: The Case ofJapanese Electric Sector

N. Wang, G. Mogi

40th IAEE International Conference, Jun.
20, 2017

6

An Economic Evaluation of the Nationally Determined
Contributions of the Paris Agreement under Multiple
Scenarios on Fossil Fuel Prices

Y. Arino, F. Sano, K. Akimoto

23rd Annual Conference of the European
Association of Environmental andResource Economists (EAERE) , Jun. 30,
20177

Estimation of Japanese Steel Product Trade Elasticity
of Substitution

J. Oda, T. Homma, K. Akimoto

15th IAEE European Conference 2017,
Sep. 6, 2017, Austria

8

An assessment of global land-use change required forachieving the 2 ℃ and 1.5 ℃ targets

A. Hayashi, F. Sano, K. Akimoto

12th Conference on Sustainable
Development of Energy, Water andEnvironment Systems (SDEWES), Oct. 8,
2017, Croatia

9

An analysis of cost-efficient energy systems in
consideration of climate change and ambient PM2.5
concentration mitigation by using a global energy
systems model

K. Gi, F. Sano, A. Hayashi, K. Akimoto

12th Conference on Sustainable
Development of Energy, Water andEnvironment Systems (SDEWES), Oct. 8,
2017, Croatia

Oral Presentation (Domestic Academic Society)
Title

Researchers

Forum

1

Japanʼs mid- and long-term mitigation pathways andassociated challenges: A model intercomparison pilot
project

M. Sugiyama, S. Fujimori, K. Wada, S.
Endo, Y. Fujii, R. Komiyama, E. Kato, The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,
A. Kurosawa, Y. Matsuo, K. Oshiro, F. and Environment, Feb. 2, 2017
Sano2

Evaluations on Carbon Pricing Based on Quantitative
Analyses

K. Akimoto, F. Sano, J. Oda, B.
Shoai-Tehrani

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 2, 2017

3

Factor Analysis of Carbon Intensity Trend in Japanese
Steel Industry

J. Oda, K. Akimoto

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 2, 20174

An Evaluation of the Nationally Determined
Contributions of the Paris Agreement under Multiple
Scenarios on Fossil Fuel Prices

Y. Arino, F. Sano, K. Akimoto

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 2, 20175

An Analysis on Long-term Climate Change Mitigation
and Costs Under the Socioeconomic Scenarios
Harmonizing SSP Storylines

F. Sano, K. Akimoto, T. Homma, J.
Oda, A. Hayashi, B. Shoai-Tehrani, Y.
Arino, K. Gi

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 2, 2017

6

Feasibility of limiting warming to below 1.5℃

K. WadaThe 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 2, 20177

Estimation on Agricultural Land-use and Water
Resources for Different levels of Climate Change
Mitigation under the SSP Scenarios

A. Hayashi, F. Sano, K. Akimoto, Y.
Nakagami

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 3, 2017

8

Cost-Effective Energy Systems in Consideration of
Climate Change Mitigation and Ambient PM2.5
Concentration Reduction

K. Gi, F. Sano, A. Hayashi, K. Akimoto

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 3, 2017

9

Analysis on Economic Impacts of Climate Adaptation in
Coastal Sector

T. Homma, Y. Arino, A. Hayashi, M.
Nagashima, T. Tomoda, K. Akimoto

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 3, 201757

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

ＲＩＴＥ

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Systems Analysis Group
Title

Researchers

Forum

10

Policy issues for EU electricity market liberalization andclimate policy

B. Shoai-Tehrani, K. Akimoto, Y.
Nakagami, P. Da Costa

The 33rd Conference on Energy, Economy,and Environment, Feb. 3, 201711

Response Strategies to Climate Change Risks from the
Perspective of Climate Change Damages andAdaptation Costs

T. Homma, Y. Arino, A. Hayashi, M.
Nagashima, T. Tomoda, K. Akimoto

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 7, 201712

Climate Risk Management Strategy from the
Perspective of Climate Change

F. Sano, K. Akimoto

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 7, 201713

Expert Questionnaire Survey on Climate Change Risk
Management and Implication of Risk Management
Strategy

J. Oda, K. Akimoto, A. Hayashi

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 7, 201714

Response Strategies to Climate Change Risks Holding
Solar Radiation Management as a Risk Hedge Option

Y. Arino, K. Akimoto, F. Sano, T.
Homma, J. Oda, T. Tomoda, A.
Hayashi

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 7, 201715

A Proposal for response strategies to climate changerisks and the related quantitative analyses

K. Akimoto, F. Sano, T. Homma, J.
Oda, Y. Arino, A. Hayashi, K. Gi

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 7, 201716

Analysis of Long-term Trend of Energy Intensity inJapanese Steel Industry

J. Oda, K. Akimoto

The 36th Annual Meeting of Japan Societyof Energy and Resources, Jun. 8, 201717

An Analysis on Global Impacts of the Nationally
Determined Contributions in Consideration of Current
Climate and Energy Policies in Major Economies

K. Gi, F. Sano, T. Homma, J. Oda, A.
Hayashi, K. Akimoto

The 26th Annual Meeting of Japan Instituteof Energy, Aug. 2, 201718

A trend of nuclear fusion development

K. Gi

Japan Society of Energy and Resources
Summer workshop, Aug. 21, 201719

Assessment of Fusion Development Targets under
Global Energy Scenarios

K. Gi, F. Sano, K. Akimoto

A Session of Fusion Engineering Division,
Atomic Energy Society of Japan 2017 Fall
Meeting, Sep. 14, 201720

A study on the volatility of energy prices

J. OdaNational Conference of The Japan
Association of Real Options and Strategy
2017, Nov. 25, 2017

Other Oral Presentation and Non-Journal Publication
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

1

Energy strategies and their issues in consideration of
global warming mitigation

K. Akimoto

Regular Meeting of Japan Atomic Energy
Commission, Jan. 10, 20172

Evaluations of climate change response measuresconsidering several constraints and multi objectives in
the real world

K. Akimoto

Symposium on Measures for tackling
Global Warming - IPCC Activities andPerspectives in AR6 Cycle-, Jan. 26, 2017

3

ALternative Pathways toward Sustainable development
and climate stabilization (ALPS)J. OdaExpert workshop towards further
collaboration between Japanese researchcommunity and IIASA, Jan. 30, 2017,
Japan

4

RITE ALPSII Project and IIASA-RITE Collaboration

K. Akimoto

IIASA-IGES Symposium on the future
perspective with a core of “The World in2050” project, Jan. 31, 2017

5

Chapter 10 Industry & living environment (Editor)

K. Gi, K. Akimoto

Chronological Environmental Tables
2017-2018, Maruzen Publishing,
January 20176

Evaluations on Emission Reduction Efforts of Nationally
K. Akimoto
Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement

ALPS International Symposium, Feb. 7,
20177Energy issues to be known

K. Akimoto

Lecture on Nuclear (Ikata Nuclear
Information Center), Feb. 18, 2017

8Energy Mix under the Deregulation of the Electricity
Market in JapanK. Akimoto

A Lecture on Future Energy Vision ofJapan as a Resourceless Nation in Tokyo,
Feb. 21, 20179

Future perspective viewed from energy

K. Akimoto

Smart Energy Promotion Group of METI
Kansai, Feb. 22, 201710

Global Warming and Energy

K. Akimoto

Seminar on “Mental and Environmental
Issues”, Feb. 23, 201711

Feasibility assessment of the introduction of nuclear
fusion in low-carbon scenario using world energy
system model

K. Gi

Practical Usage Strategy Cluster meeting,
Fusion Energy Forum of Japan, Feb. 24,
2017

58

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Systems Analysis Group
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

12

Challenges for Land-use and Water Management
Under the 2°
C Target

A. Hayashi, F. Sano, K. Akimoto, T.
Homma, Y. Nakagami

Global Carbon Project/Managing Global
Negative Emission Technologies
Workshop, Pre-conference, Mar. 1, 2017,
Austria

13

Considering the future of energy in Japan in accord
with the Paris Agreement

K. Akimoto

Lecture at Energy Technology Committee,
Osaka Science & Technology Center, Mar.
9, 2017

14

Emission reduction and estimates of economic effectachieved by energy conservation, low-carbon
technologies and products and their overseas
expansion

K. Akimoto

The Task Force meeting for Overseas
Expansion Strategies, the Long-term
Global Warming Countermeasures
Platform, Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry, Mar. 31, 201715

Projection of TEC14 meeting and technology
negotiation

K. WadaThe 62nd TECUSE Study Meeting, Apr. 19,
2017

16

DNE21+ team paper (Assessments of long-term climate
F. Sano, K. Akimoto, A. Hayashi, T.
change mitigation scenarios from the perspectives ofHomma, K. Gi, K. Wada
bioenergy contribution and middle-term climate policy)

Project meeting of EMF-33 bioenergy
study, Apr. 25, 2017, France

17

The analyses on the economic costs, co-benefits andrisks for the Paris Agreement goals

K. Akimoto

IEA Noon Talk, June 12, 201718

A perspective of energy supply and demand

K. Akimoto

The 28th CEE Symposium “Challenges inanalyses of ultra long-term energy supply
and demand - a significance andchallenges in quantitative analyses andtheir solutions-”, Aug. 30, 201719

An impact of emission reduction towards 2030 in Japanand its challenge

K. Akimoto

Kansai Economic Federation / Asia Pacific
Institute of Research seminar “A global
trend of warming mitigation and challenges
in Japan”, Sep. 8, 201720

Deep emission reduction from a global perspective

K. Akimoto

Open Symposium of Science Council ofJapan “A Long-term Strategy for GHG
emission reduction under the Paris
Agreement”, Sep. 27, 201721

Transforming to a long-term zero emission with taking
into account uncertainty of a projection

S. Emori, K. Akimoto

Nikkei Ecology, October 201722

Energy mix issues to be known

K. Akimoto

Hokugenkon “Environment & Energy
Lecture Meeting”, Oct. 3, 201723

Challenges and opportunities for net zero CO2 emission
K. Akimoto
harmonized with sustainable development

ICEF 4th Annual Meeting, Oct. 5, 201724

Outcomes of CTCN and TEC, and prospect fortechnology negotiation at COP23

K. WadaThe 67th TECUSE Study Meeting, Oct. 18,
2017

25

Toward Strong Weak Target

Y. Kaya, M. Yamaguchi, K. Akimoto26

A strategy for decarbonization - Seeking the solution for
J. Arima, T. Ohno, K. Akimotoreconciliatory achivement of economy and environment

Monthly Energy Forum, No. 755,
November 201727

Sustainable Climate Change Response Measures
under the Paris Agreement

K. Akimoto

COP23 side event (Japan Pavilion), Nov.
14, 2017, Germany

28

Sustainable Climate Change Response Measures
under the Paris Agreement

B. Shoai-Tehrani, K. Akimoto

COP23 side event (Turkish Pavilion), Nov.
15, 2017, Germany

29

Toward better understandings of uncertainties in climatechange countermeasures and development of risk
K. Akimoto
management strategies

Letʼs Consider Measures for Climate
Change Mitigation: IPCC Activities during
the Sixth Assessment Cycle and Future
Efforts (2), Nov. 29, 201730

Impacts of climate change and adaptation - focusing on
T. Homma
coastal area-2017 special lecture on energy, Japan
Society of Energy and Resources, Dec. 4,
2017

31

Mitigation costs of climate change and their economic
risk, trade-offs and co-benefits with thecountermeasures of air-pollution

F. Sano2017 special lecture on energy, Japan
Society of Energy and Resources, Dec. 4,
2017

32

A role of geoengineering method in the light of risk
countermeasure for climate change

Y. Arino2017 special lecture on energy, Japan
Society of Energy and Resources, Dec. 4,
2017

33

A summary of responces to climate change risk

K. Akimoto2017 special lecture on energy, Japan
Society of Energy and Resources, Dec. 4,
2017Energy Forum, October 201759

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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Systems Analysis Group
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

34

An assessment of emission reduction efforts and its
policies in the NDCs under the Paris Agreement

K. Akimoto

Innovative Environmental Technology
Symposium 2017, Dec. 6, 201735

Technology negotiation at COP23

K. WadaThe 68th TECUSE Study Meeting, Dec.
13, 2017

36

IPCC/UNFCCC updates

K. WadaThe First International Workshop of Japan
Model Intercomparison Project (JMIP),
Dec. 14, 201737

Energy Intensity in the Japanese Steel Industry: Trend,
Determinants, and Decarbonization Challenge

J. OdaThe First International Workshop of Japan
Model Intercomparison Project (JMIP),
Dec. 15, 2017

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

Journal1

Enhanced glucose consumption and organic acid
S. Hasegawa, Y. Tanaka, M. Suda, T.
production by engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Jojima, M. Inuibased on analysis of a pfkB1 deletion mutant

Appl. Environ. Microbiol., Vol.83, e0263816, 2017

2

Polynucleotide phosphorylase, RNase E/G, and YbeY
are involved in the maturation of 4.5S RNA in
Corynebacterium glutamicum

T. Maeda, Y. Tanaka, M. Wachi, M.
InuiJ. Bacteriol., Vol.199, e00798-16, 20173

Development of the bio-production technology of green
aromatic compounds

T. Kogure, M. Inui

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Vol.62, pp.5461, 2017

4

Functional analysis of arabinofuranosidases and axylanase of Corynebacterium alkanolyticum forarabinoxylan utilization in Corynebacterium glutamicum

T. Kuge, A. Watanabe, S. Hasegawa,
H. Teramoto, M. InuiAppl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., Vol.101,
pp.5019-5032, 2017

5

Biorefinery by a growth arrested bioprocess

M. Shimizu, M. Inui

Enzyme engineering news, Vol.78,
pp.19-22, 2017

6

Trehalose acts as a uridine 5ʼ-diphosphoglucosecompetitive inhibitor of trehalose 6-phosphate synthasein Corynebacterium glutamicum

S. Oide, M. Inui

FEBS J., Vol.284, pp.4298-4313, 2017

7

Increasing diversity of the bio-based chemicals
produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum

T. Kubota, M. Inui

Kagaku to Seibutsu, Vol.55, pp.690-698,
2017

8

Extracytoplasmic function sigma factor σD confers
resistance to environmental stress by enhancing
mycolate synthesis and modifying peptidoglycan
structures in Corynebacterium glutamicum

K. Toyoda, M. Inui

Mol. Microbiol., Vol.107, pp.312-329, 20189

Production of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by an aerobic
growth-arrested bioprocess using metabolicallyengineered Corynebacterium glutamicum

Y. Kitade, R. Hashimoto, M. Suda, K.
Hiraga, M. InuiAppl. Environ. Microbiol. (in press)

Other Paper
Title
1

TOPICS 6 Current status of R&D on effective utilizationof biomass in RITE / Production of biofuels and green
chemicals by smart cells for the realization of alow-carbon society

Researchers
M. Inui

Magazine, Publication
Keihanna View, Vol.36, pp.24, Dec., 2017

Oral Presentation (Domestic Academic Society)
Title

Researchers

Forum

1

Production of para-amino benzoic acid by
Corynebacterium glutamicum and identification of a
byproduct during the fermentation

Takeshi Kubota, Akira Watanabe,
Masako Suda, Takahisa Kogure,
Kazumi Hiraga, Masayuki Inui

The 12th Conference on Biomass Science,Jan. 18-19, 2017

2

Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum Takahisa Kogure, Takeshi Kubota,
for overproduction of shikimate as a starting material for Masako Suda, Kazumi Hiraga,
the anti-influenza drug
Masayuki Inui

The 12th Conference on Biomass Science,Jan. 18-19, 2017

3

RNase E/G and Rho cooperatively suppress pervasivetranscripts in Corynebacterium glutamicum

4

Regulation of expression of the transcription termination Yuya Tanaka, Norihiko Takemoto, Yuji
factor Rho in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Yamamoto, Masayuki Inui

Norihiko Takemoto, Yuya Tanaka,
Tohru Akiyama, Tomoya Maeda,
Nagisa Hamamoto, Masayuki Inui

The 11th Annual Meeting of Society of
Genome Microbiology, Japan, Mar. 2-4,
2017
The 2017 Annual Meeting of The Japan
Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology andAgrochemistry, Mar. 20, 201760

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Title

Researchers

Forum

5

Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum forarabinoxylan utilization

Takayuki Kuge, Akira Watanabe,
Satoshi Hasegawa, Haruhiko
Teramoto, Masayuki Inui

The 2017 Annual Meeting of The Japan
Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology andAgrochemistry, Mar. 20, 2017

6

Functional analysis of glucokinase genes in
Corynebacterium glutamicum

Yuta Tsukada, Takahisa Kogure,
Masayuki Inui

The 2017 Annual Meeting of The Japan
Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology andAgrochemistry, Mar. 20, 2017

7

Analysis of tolerance mechanism under aromaticcompounds-induced stress in Corynebacterium
glutamicum

Ryoji Ogura, Takeshi Kubota,
Masayuki Inui

The 2017 Annual Meeting of The Japan
Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology andAgrochemistry, Mar. 20, 2017

8

Functional analysis and gene expression analysis of
the aspartic acid biosynthetic enzymes in
Corynebacterium glutamicum

Akihiro Domon, Ikumi Fukui, Masako
Suda, Taku Nishimura, Kazumi
Hiraga, Masayuki Inui

The 2017 Annual Meeting of The Japan
Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology andAgrochemistry, Mar. 20, 20179

Research and development for the production ofaromatic compounds

Takeshi Kubota, Masayuki InuiNEDO Smart Cell Project Meeting, Mar.
30, 2017

10

Research and development of technology for highly
efficient bio-hydrogen production from cellulosic
biomass using genetically engineered Escherichia coli

Haruhiko Teramoto, Masako Suda,
Masayuki Inui

The 69th Annual Meeting of the Society for
Biotechnology, Japan, Sep. 12-14, 201711

Research and development of highly efficient biohydrogen production from acetate by geneciallyengineered purple non-sulfur bacteria

Tetsu Shimizu, Haruhiko Teramoto,
Masayuki Inui

The 69th Annual Meeting of the Society for
Biotechnology, Japan, Sep. 12-14, 2017

12

Thermotolerance of Corynebacterium glutamicum on
production of lactate and succinate under oxygen
deprivation

Hikaru Mizuno, Yota Tsuge, Kazuaki
Ninomiya, Masayuki Inui, Akihiko
Kondo, Kenji Takahashi

The 69th Annual Meeting of the Society for
Biotechnology, Japan, Sep. 12-14, 201713

Development of methods to efficiently construct DNA
libraries by circumventing restriction-mocification
systems in Corynebacterium glutamicum as a host

Satoshi Hasegawa, Toru Jojima,
Masayuki Inui

The 2017 joint meeting of the Kansai,
Western Japan, Chugoku and Shikoku
branches of the Japan Society for
Bioscience, Biotechnology, andAgrochemistry in Osaka, Sep. 22, 2017

14

Validation of metabolic models by improving productivity Masayuki Inui, Kazumi Hiraga,of useful aromatic compounds by Corynebacterium
Masako Suda, Koichi Toyoda, Takeshi
glutamicum
KubotaBioJapan 2017, Oct. 11-13, 201715

Production of biobutanol for biofuels from non-ediblebiomass

Kazumi Hiraga, Masayuki Inui

BioJapan 2017, Oct. 12, 201716

Highly efficient bio-hydrogen production from nonedible biomass

Haruhiko Teramoto, Masayuki Inui

BioJapan 2017, Oct. 12, 2017

Other Oral Presentation and Non-Journal Publication
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

1

Development of phenol-manufacturing technology fromplantsHiroyuki Miyauchi, Masayuki Inui,
Kazumi Hiraga

16-3 Research Group of Ecological
Materials, Mar. 3, 20172

Development of biofuel production technology for therealization of a biorefinery society

Masayuki Inui

Energy environmental education / Kansai
workshop, Apr. 22, 20173

Safety assessment of recombinant L-alanine developedby Musashino Chemical Laboratory, Ltd. and RITE /Assessment documents compiled by the researchcommittee on genetically modified foods in Food Safety
Commission of Japan

4

Production of 100% green jet fuel from unutilizedbiomass

Masayuki Inui

The 4th GOJO University, Jun. 4, 2017

5

Development of biofuel and green chemical productions
Masayuki Inuitechnology for the realization of low carbon society

Society of Biomass Utilization, Jul. 14,
2017

6Development and commercialization of production
technologies for green chemicals and biofuels

Masayuki Inui

Industry-academia-government
collaboration social gathering, Sep. 8,
20177Emerging Technologies for Biojet Fuel Production in
Japan

Masayuki Inui

ICEF 4th Annual Meeting, Oct. 5, 20178

Development of biorefinery production technology forthe realization of low carbon society

Masayuki Inui17-2 Research Group of Ecological
Materials, Oct. 6, 20179

Development of phenol-manufacturing technology frombiomass

Hiroyuki Miyauchi, Kazumi Hiraga,
Masayuki Inui

7th CSJ Chemistry Festa, Oct. 19, 201710

Development of biorefinery production technology forthe realization of low carbon society

Masayuki Inui

Innovative Environmental Technology
Symposium 2017, Dec. 6, 2017

─

Nikkei Biotechnology & Business ONLINE,
Apr. 27, 201761

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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Chemical Research Group
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

Journal1

Carbon Dioxide Absorption using Solid Sorbents
Incorporating Purified Components of
Tetraethylenepentamine

2

Keisuke Hori, Tatsuhiro Higuchi, Yu
Effect of pore size, aminosilane density andAoki, Manabu Miyamoto*, Yasunoriaminosilane molecular length on CO2 adsorption
Oumi, Katsunori Yogo, Shigeyuki
performance in aminosilane modified mesoporous silica
Uemiya3

Development of CO2 Molecular Gate Membranes for
IGCC Process with CO2 Capture

4

Firoz Alam Chowdhury*, Kazuya
Results of RITEʼs Advanced Liquid Absorbents Develop Goto, Hidetaka Yamada, Yoichi
for Low Temperature CO2 Capture
Matsuzaki, Shin Yamamoto, Takayuki
Higashii, Masami Onoda

Energy Procedia Vol.114 (Juy 2017)
pp.1716-1720

5Development of Post-combustion CO2 Capture System
Using Amine-impregnated Solid Sorbent

Ryohei Numaguchi, Junpei Fujiki,
Hidetaka Yamada, Firoz Alam
Chowdhury, Koji Kida, Kazuya Goto,
Takeshi Okumura, Katsuhiro
Yoshizawa, KatsunoriYogo*

Energy Procedia Vol.114 (July 2017)
pp.2304-2312

6

Development of Chemical CO2 Solvent for Highpressure CO2 Capture (3): Analyses on Absorbed
Forms of CO2

Shin Yamamoto*, Hidetaka Yamada,
Mitsuhiro Kanakubo, Tsuguhiro Kato

Energy Procedia Vol.114 (July 2017)
pp.2728-2735

7

Effect of isopropyl-substituent introduction into
tetraethylenepentamine-based solid sorbents for CO2
captureHidetaka Yamada, Junpei Fujiki, Firoz
A. Chowdhury, Katsunori Yogo*

Fuel Vol.214 (15 February 2018) pp.14-19

8

Effect of addition of Proline, ionic Liquid [Choline][Pro]on CO2 separation properties of poly(amidoamine)
dendrimer / poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid membranes

S H Duan*, T Kai, F A Chowdhury,
I Taniguchi, S Kazama

IOP Conference Series: Materials Scienceand Engineering, vol. 292 (2017)012040

9

Role of silanol groups on silica gel on adsorption of
benzothiophene and naphthalene

Junpei Fujiki*, Katsunori Yogo, Eiji
FuruyaFuel Vol.215 (1 March 2018) pp.463-467

Ryohei Numaguchi, Firoz A.
Chowdhury, Hidetaka Yamada,Katsunori Yogo*

Teruhiko Kai*, Shuhong Duan,
Fuminori Ito, Satoshi Mikami,
Yoshinobu Sato, Shin-ichi Nakao

Energy Technology Vol. 5 issure 8 pp.11861190 August 2017
Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
246 (2017) pp.158-165
Energy Procedia Vol.114 (July 2017)
pp.613-620

Oral Presentation
Title

Researchers

Forum

1

Chemically Tunable Ionic Liquid-Amine Solutions for
CO2 Capture

Firoz Alam Chowdhury, Tsuguhiro
Kato

ILSEPT2017, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur
Hotel, Malaysia, Jan. 8-11 2017

2

(Invited) A study of the chemical reactions involved inamine-based CO2 capture

Hidetaka Yamada

I2CNER INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP
2017, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan,
Feb. 3 2017

3

Post-combustion CO2 capture using N-(isopropyl)tetraethylenepentamine-based solid sorbent

Hidetaka Yamada, Junpei Fujiki,
Ryohei Numaguchi, Firoz Alam
Chowdhury, Koji Kida, Kazuya Goto,
Katsunori Yogo

IEA Clean Coal Centreʼs 8th international
conference on clean coal technologies,
Cagliari, Italy, May 10 2017

4

(Keynote, Invited) RITEʼs Advanced CO2 CaptureTechnologies

Hidetaka Yamada

9th Trondheim Conference on CO2
Capture, Transport and Storage,
Trondheim, Norway, Jun. 12-14 2017

5

Post-combustion CO2 capture by low-temperature
steam-aided vacuum swing adsorption using a novel
polyamine-based solid sorbent

Junpei Fujiki, Hidetaka Yamada, Firoz 10th World Congress of Chemical
Alam Chowdhury, Ryohei Numaguchi, Engineering, Barcelona, Spain, Oct 2-5
Katsunori Yogo
2017

6(Keynote, Invited) The Chemistry of Amine-Based CO2
CaptureHidetaka Yamada

The International Conference on Chemical
Science and Technology for Sustainable
Development, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nov 8-9
20177(Plenary Lecture, Invited) Research and Developmentof CO2 Capture Technlogy for CCS

Kazuya Goto

The 11th International Conference on
Separation Science and Technology,
Busan, South Korea, Nov 9-11 20178

Impregnation of Tetraethylenepentamine andImidazoles Binary Amine in Mesoporous Cellular Foam
Silica for CO2 Capture

Quyen Thi Vu, Hidetaka Yamada,Katsunori Yogo

The 11th International Conference on
Separation Science and Technology,
Busan, South Korea, Nov 9-11 201762

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

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CO2 Storage Research Group
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

Journal1

Geophysical monitoring at the Nagaoka pilot-scale CO2
injection site in Japan

Takahiro Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue

2

XRF Analysis of Sediment Cores from the Nagaoka
CO2 Injection Site using the Pressed Powder Pellet
Method Combined with Fundamental Parameter
MethodKazuhiko Nakano, Takuma Ito, Atsushi Advances in X-Ray Chemical Analysis in
Ohbuchi, Ziqiu Xue
Japan, 48,417-428

3

Experimental assessment of well integrity for CO2
geological storage: A numerical study of thegeochemical interactions between a CO2-brine mixture
and a sandstone-cement-steel sample

Joachim Tremosa, Saeko Mito, Pascal
Applied Geochemistry, 78, 61-73, 2017
Audigane, Ziqiu Xue

4

Application of marine engineering to offshore CO2
storage: A method to detect CO2 leakage using pCO2

Keisuke Uchimoto,(Makoto Nishimura, Bulletin of the Society of Sea Water
Ziqiu Xue
Science, Japan, in print

5

Evaluation of accessible mineral surface areas for
improved prediction of mineral reaction rates in porous
media

Beckingham, Lauren E., Carl I.
Steefel, Alexander M. Swift, Marco
Voltolini, Li Yang, Lawrence Anovitz,
Julie M. Sheets, David R. Cole,
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 205,
Timothy J. Kneafsey, Elizabeth H.
31-49, 2017
Mitnick, Shuo Zhang, Gautier Landrot,
Jonathan Ajo-Franklin, Donald
DePaolo, Saeko Mito, Ziqiu Xue

6

Migration mode of brine and supercritical CO2 during
steady-state relative permeability measurements atvery slow fluid flow velocity

Tetsuya Kogure, Yi Zhang,Osamu
Nishizawa, Ziqiu Xue

Geophysical Journal International, 211, 2,
1259-1275, 20177

Effects of fluid displacement pattern on complex
electrical impedance in Berea sandstone overfrequency range 10^4-10^6 Hz

Yi Zhang, Hyuck Park, Osamu
Nishizawa, Tamotsu Kiyama, Yu Liu,
Kwangseok Chae, Ziqiu Xue

Geophysical Prospecting, DOI:
10.1111/1365-2478.12451, , 65, 4,1053-1070, 20178

Long term CO2 plume behavior calibrated by 10 years
monitoring data at the Nagaoka site

Takahiro Nakajima, Takuma Ito, Ziqiu
Xue

Greenhouse Gases: Science andTechnology, submitted

9

CO2 leakage detection using partial pressure of CO2
and dissolved oxygen at offshore CO2 storage sites

Keisuke Uchimoto, Takamichi
Nakamura, Makoto Nishimura, Jun
Kita, Ziqiu Xue

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas
Control, , accepted

10

Different flow behavior between 1-to-1 displacement
and co-injection of CO2 and brine in Berea sandstone:
Insights from laboratory experiments with X-ray CT
imaging

Yi Zhang, Tetsuya Kogure, Osamu
Nishizawa, Ziqiu Xue

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas
Control, 66, 76-84, 201711

Detecting CO2 leakage at offshore storage sites using
Keisuke Uchimoto, Makoto Nishimura, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas
the covariance between the partial pressure of CO2 andJun Kita, Ziqiu Xue
Control, accepted
the saturation of dissolved oxygen in seawater

12

Different flow behavior between 1-to-1 displacement
and co-injection of CO2 and brine in Berea sandstone:
insights from laboratory experiments with X-ray CT
imaging

Yi Zhang, Tetsuya Kogure, Osamu
Nishizawa, Ziqiu Xue

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas
Control, submitted

13

Mass transfer coefficient measurement during brine
flush in a CO2-filled packed bed by X-ray CT scanning

Lanlan Jiang, Bohao Wu, YongchenSong, Mingjun Yang, Dayong
Wang,Yu Liu, Ziqiu Xue

International journal of heat and masstransfer, 115, 615-624, 201714

Numerical simulation study of pressure build-up in theformation during injection of CO2

Claudia Fujita, Hajime Yamamoto,
Takahiro Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue

Journal of Groundwater Hydrology,
submitted

15

Identifying the source of natural gamma-rays in shallowmarine siliciclastic strata and their significance for shale Takuma Ito, Atsushi Ohbuchi, Takahiro Journal of Natural Gas Science andevaluation: A case study of the CO2 storage aquifer at
Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue
Engineering, 46, 782-792, 2017
the Nagaoka site, Japan

16

Challenges for social impact assessment in coastal
regions: a case study of the Tomakomai CCS project

Leslie Mabon, Jun Kita, Ziqiu Xue

Marine policy, Volume 83, 2017, Pages
243-251

17

The Pathway ‐ Flow Relative Permeability of CO2:
Measurement by Lowered Pressure Drops

Yi Zhang, Osamu Nishizawa, Hyuck
Park, Ziqiu Xue

Water Resources Research, 53, 10,8626-8638, 2017

Active Geophysical Monitoring, Second
Edition, submitted

Non-Journal Publication
Title
1

Develop optimum tool for well location in Carbon
dioxide Capture and Storage

Researchers
Mitsuhiro Miyagi, Hajime Yamamoto,
Ziqiu Xue

JournalReport of Taisei Technology Center63

2017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

ＲＩＴＥ

Ｔｏｄａｙ

２０１８

CO2 Storage Research Group
Oral Presentation (International Academic Society)Researchers

Forum

1

Micro-bubble Injection Enhanced dissolution during
CO2 Sequestration in saline

Title

Lanlan Jiang, Ziqiu Xue, Hyuck Park,

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage
Conference,2017/1/21

2

Leak detection

Keisuke Uchimoto

2nd International Workshop on Offshore
CO2 Geologic Storage, Texas, USA, Jun
19, 2017

2nd International Workshop on Offshore Geologic CO2
Storage

Tim Dixon, Susan Hovorka, Tip
Meckel, Katherine Romanak, Owain
Tucker, Nick Hoffman, Kim Swords5,
Lars Ingolf Eide, Niels Peter
Christensen, Keisuke Uchimoto, Noel
Kamrajh

Mastering the Subsurface throughTechnology Innovation, Partnerships andCollaboration: Carbon Storage and Oil andNatural Gas Technologies Review Meeting,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Aug 01, 20174

Oral Presentation (Domestic Academic Society)
Title

Researchers

Forum

1

Flow behavior of supercritical CO2 at the formation
boundary visualized by X-ray CT and threshold pressur

Tamotsu Kiyama, Hyuck Park, Yi
Zhang, Xue Ziqiu, Lanlan Jiang

MMIJ Annual Meeting 2017, Mar 27, 20172

Effect of micro-bubble CO2 injection on CO2-EOR

Ryo Ueda, Masanori Nakano, Xue
Ziqiu

JAPT Spring Meeting (Technicalconference and symposium), Jun 14, 20173

Monitoring technology development by distributed strain
Xue Ziqiu
measurement using optical fiber

Proceedings of 59th Meeting on Lightwave
Sensing Technology, Jun 06, 20174

Trapping mechanisms in field scale observed bytime-lapse well logging at the Nagaoka site

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
20175Keisuke Uchimoto, Takamichi
An option for marine monitoring at offshore CO2 storage
Nakamura, Makoto Nishimura, Ziqiu
sites: observing pCO2 in the sea
Xue

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
2017

6

Acoustic sonar detectability of gas bubbles fromseafloor for environmental monitoring at offshore CO2
storage sites

Takamichi Nakamura, Keisuke
Uchimoto, Makoto Nishimura

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
20177Visualization and measurement of CO2 microbubble
flooding in heterogeneous sedimentary rock

Hyuck Park, Lanlan Jiang, Tamotsu
Kiyama, Ziqiu Xue

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
20178valuation of shale volume using a combination of the
gamma-ray logs and core analysis in terms of
sedimentology and geochemistry: a case study of the
Nagaoka site, Japan

Takuma Ito, Atsushi Ohbuchi, Takahiro JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue
2017

9

Micro-bubble Injection enhance dissolution during CO2
Sequestration in saline

Lanlan Jiang, Ziqiu Xue, Hyuck
Park,Tamotsu Kiyama

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
2017

10

Adopting optimum methods for Carbon dioxides
Capture and storage

Mitsuhiro Miyagi, Hajime Yamamoto,
Ziqiu XueJpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
2017

11

Numerical simulation study on mitigation of thepressure build-up in the geological formation during
injection of CO2

Claudia Fujita, Yusuke Hiratsuka,
Hajime Yamamoto, Takahiro
Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue

JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017, May 20,
2017

12

Numerical simulation study of pressure build-up in theformation during injection of CO2

Claudia Fujita, Hajime Yamamoto,
Takahiro Nakajima, Ziqiu Xue

Japan Society of Civil Engineers 72nd
Annual Conference, Sep 11, 201713

Effect of micro-bubble CO2 injection on CO2-EOR

Ryo Ueda, Masanori Nakano, Xue
Ziqiu

The 23rd Formation Evaluation Symposiumof Japan (JFES), Oct 11, 201714

Geological modeling for an aquifer as a case study of
the CO2 storage site

Takuma Ito,Takahiro Nakajima, Ziqiu
Xue

The 124th Annual Meeting of theGeological Society of Japan: 2017 Ehime,
Sep 17, 201715

Automatic optimization of well placement for mitigatingpressure build-up during Geologic CO2 Storage

Mitsuhiro Miyagi, Hajime Yamamoto,
Yohei Akimoto, Ziqiu Xue

rock mechanics symposium, Jan 15, 2017

Hyuck Park, Lanlan Jiang, Tamotsu
Kiyama, Ziqiu Xue

Annual Fall Meeting of the Mining andMaterials Processing Institute of Japan(2017) & The 14th International
Symposium on East Asian Resources
Recycling Technology (EARTH 2017), Sep
26, 2017

Tamotsu Kiyama, Hyuck Park, Yi
Zhang, Lanlan Jiang, Ziqiu Xue

Annual Fall Meeting of the Mining andMaterials Processing Institute of Japan(2017) & The 14th International
Symposium on East Asian Resources
Recycling Technology (EARTH 2017), Sep
26, 2017

16

17

Effect of microbubble injection for CO2 dissolution inlong core experiment

Visualization of flow behavior by X-ray CT and strain
measurement by optical fiber in supercritical CO2
injection experiment using formation boundary core

Takahiro Nakajima, Xue Ziqiu

642017 Paper, Presentation and Publication 

ＲＩＴＥ

Ｔｏｄａｙ

２０１８

CO2 Storage Research Group
Title
18

Detecting anomalously high values of pCO2 using both
pCO2 and DO

Researchers

Forum

Keisuke Uchimoto, Makoto Nishimura, The Oceanographic Society of Japan, Fall
Ziqiu Xue
meeting in 2017, Oct 15, 2017

Other Oral Presentation and Non-Journal Publication
Title

Researchers

Magazine, Newspaper, etc.

1

Report from CSLF Regulation Task Force

Ryozo Tanaka

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum(CSLF) Policy Group Meeting, Dec, 2017

2

Practical Regulations and Permitting Process for
Geological CO2 Storage

Ryozo Tanaka

Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum(CSLF), Nov, 20173

Caprock and wellbore integrity monitoring using fiber
opctic cable: our recent outcomes and what we want to
do in the CaMI project

Nobuo Takasu

The annual technical update workshop of
CaMI

Inorganic Membranes Research Center
Original Paper
Title

Researchers

JournalMaterials Letters Vol. 209, 15 December
2017, pp.36-38

1Synthesis of pure silica STT-type zeolite membrane

Koji Kida, Yasushi Maeta, Katsunori
Yogo*

2

Hydrogen Purification from Chemical Hydride Using
Pure Silica Zeolite Membranes

Koji Kida, Yasushi Maeta, Taichi Kuno, Chemistry Letters Vol.46 No.12, 2017,
Katsunori Yogo*
pp1724-1727.

3

Pure silica CHA-type zeolite membranes for dry andhumidified CO2/CH4 mixtures separation

Koji Kida, Yasushi Maeta, Katsunori
Yogo*

Separation and Purification Technology,
Vol.197, 2018, pp116-121.

65

English2018 Vol.13

2018 Vol.13

2018 Vol.13