2024 Vol.19

Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth

FeatureAcquisition of New Large National Projects and Future
Research and Development Prospects

2024 Vol.19

Contents
Foreword
The Establishment of the CCS Business Act Will Mark a Major Milestone for Social

3

Implementation of CCS in Japan
Toshifumi Matsuoka, Advisor, Fukada Geological InstituteFeatureAcquisition of New Large National Projects and Future Research and Development Prospects

5

R&D Activities
Research & Coordination Group
Research Efforts to Realize a Carbon-neutral Society

12

Systems Analysis Group
Research Activities in Systems Analysis Group25

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Development of Bio-manufacturing Technologies that Contribute to Carbon Neutrality

36

Chemical Research Group
Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2 Capture and Utilization
Technologies
CO2 Storage Research Group
Technology Demonstration, Knowledge Sharing and Non-technical Support for Large Scale

46

59

Deployment of Geological CO2 Storage

Press Releases

71

Events71

Paper, Presentation and Publication

71

Systems Analysis Group
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Chemical Research Group
CO2 Storage Research Group

Other Activities

71Foreword

RITE Today 2024

The Establishment of the CCS Business Act Will
Mark a Major Milestone for Social Implementationof CCS in Japan
Toshifumi Matsuoka
Advisor, Fukada Geological Institute
Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology has been considered to be
one of the important technologies that curb the increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration and contribute to tackling
global warming. For nearly 30 years since its founding, RITE has engaged in research and development on CCS. RITE
has been highly regarded for the development of CO 2 separation and capture technologies and fundamental
technologies concerning the underground storage of CO 2 and the elevation of those technologies to practicalapplication levels through verification tests conducted in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
Now, CCS is going to enter a new stage. In the 213th ordinary session of the Diet, the Bill for the Act on Carbon
Dioxide Storage Businesses (CCS Business Act) was passed into law. The establishment of the CCS Business Act, which
provides a legal framework concerning the licensing system for CCS businesses and the ownership of CO 2, will be an
important milestone for social implementation of CCS in Japan. This Act is expected to accelerate CCS projects byprivatesector in Japan, enabling the commencement of CCS on a commercial level by around 2030. To establish

CCS as a new industry, moreover, it is indispensable to address a wide variety of challenges, including developing
technologies, ensuring economic efficiency, and fostering social acceptability. With the CCS Business Act asmomentum, Japan should seek to foster companies that play a key role in the CCS value chain and create an industrial
base with an eye toward the overseas expansion of CCS business.
The full-fledged social implementation of CCS would be a major step toward the realization of carbon neutrality
by 2050. IEA analysis shows that CCS will help reduce annual CO2 emissions by 3.6 billion to 7.2 billion tons by 2050.
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has set a target of reducing 0.12 billion to 0.24 billion tons of
CO2 per year by 2050 with CCS. To carry out such large-scale CCS projects, risk management for safely storing CO2
underground becomes important. To do this, it is necessary to select the right storage sites by accurately
investigating the underground geological conditions of potential sites and, based on the evaluations, conducting along-term simulation of injected CO2 behavior. In addition, continuous monitoring of the CO 2 storage reservoirs
should be conducted to ensure that CO2 is stored as intended. RITE's R&D results in this field and the findings
obtained through its verification tests in Japan and abroad will be utilized for the risk management of CCS businessin the future.
To implement CCS projects, it is indispensable to obtain understanding and cooperation from local communities,
in addition to ensuring technological safety. To establish CCS as an effective means against global warming and as a
new industry in Japan, it is vital to resolve technological challenges and move forward steadily while gaining publictrust. For the sound development of CCS projects, at the same time, it is necessary to develop, in addition toengineers, human resources equipped with the ability to approach issues from diversified perspectives, including3Foreword

RITE Today 2024

global environment protection and social acceptability. Cooperation between the public and private sectors isessential in promoting CCS-related education and human resource development. In this respect, the role of RITE isvery important. I sincerely hope that the results of the R&D conducted thus far by RITE will be able to contribute toJapan and the world as a key technology to both tackle climate change and encourage economic growth in the
future.

4Feature

RITE Today 2024

Acquisition of New Large National Projects and Future Research andDevelopment Prospects
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Masayuki Inui, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Kazumi Hiraga, Associate Chief Researcher
Takeshi Kubota, Senior Researcher

1. Introduction
Biomanufacturing is expected to contribute to carbon neutrality for the realization of a sustainable society.

for the next generation as a sustainable manufacturing
process that replaces the conventional manufacturing
process that use fossil resources as raw materials.

This technology uses biological processes to produce

In this special issue, the efforts of RITE in the GI Fund

products independent of fossil fuels. An example is car-

Project and Research and Development of Technologies

bon recycling that uses CO2 to directly feed microor-to Promote Biomanufacturing will be introduced after

ganisms and will convert atmospheric CO2 into usefulan overview of the current trends in biomanufacturing.

compounds and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Products such as bio-plastics and biofuels

2. Global trends in biomanufacturing

made from renewable resources such as biomass re-

Biomanufacturing is gaining worldwide attention assources have a lower environmental impact than con-a sustainable manufacturing method and is experienc-

ventional petroleum-based products. The widespreading intensifying competition, especially in Europe anduse of these products is expected to reduce the carbon

the United States.

footprint of the entire industry.

In the U.S., a presidential decree on the promotion

The Research Institute of Innovative Technology forof biotechnology and biomanufacturing has been

the Earth (RITE) has been working on producing biofu-

signed, stating that biomanufacturing will replace one-els and green chemicals through research and develop-

third of the manufacturing industry within the next 10

ment of smart cell and biorefinery technologies. In

years, with the market size estimated to reach approxi-

FY2023, RITE was entrusted with the Green Innovation

mately $30 trillion1). These policies indicate a policy ofFund (GI) Project and Research and Development ofexpansion and intensive investment in biomanufactur-

Technologies to Promote Biomanufacturing, taking a

ing.

new step toward realizing a sustainable society. TheseIn Europe, emphasis is being placed on the for-projects will develop carbon-recycling technologies tomation of international rules for creating a recycling-

produce chemicals and fuels from CO2 and biomass re-oriented society, and environmental regulatory strate-

sources. In the future, RITE aims to contribute to realiz-gies such as the adoption of the “Draft New Regulation

ing a carbon-neutral society by building an innovativeon Packaging and Packaging Waste”2) and the revision

manufacturing method to produce high-value–addedof the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED III)3)chemicals from diverse biomass resources and CO2, withare being used to provide direction for biomanufactur-

biomanufacturing technology at its core. This initiative

ing and to promote the bioeconomy.

can be expected to become the industrial foundation

In Japan, to secure competitiveness in this field, the5Feature

RITE Today 2024

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development

development of domestic platforms to design and de-Organization (NEDO), a national research and develop-

velop efficient material production microorganisms

ment corporation, has been implementing the “Devel-

based on the outlook for future industrial structure10).

opment of Highly Functional Materials Production

RITE has proposed and been adopted for these two

Technologies Using Plants and Other Organisms

projects in collaboration with companies, and is carry-(Smartcell Project, FY2016–2020)”4) to build unique anding out the projects. The following is an introduction ofefficient gene design and recombination technologies

the contribution of RITE to these projects.

by combining biotechnology and digital technology,
and has produced many results5). This concept and its

3. GI Fund Projects*

results have been carried over to the current “Develop-

3.1. Project overview

ment of Production Technology for Biobased Products

The Green Growth Strategy was formulated to meetto Accelerate the Realization of Carbon Recycling (Bio-the Japanese Government's 2020 target of achieving

manufacturing Project, FY2020–FY2026)”

and othercarbon neutrality (zero greenhouse gas emissions over-projects. RITE has participated in these projects and de-all) by 2050, and the GI Fund was established at NEDO

veloped several core technologies that are now being

in 2020 as one of the initiatives to achieve this target. In

used to develop current technologies (see Research and2023, as part of the GI Fund project, NEDO announced

Development Activities of the Molecular Microbiologythat this would launch the “Promotion of carbon recy-

and Biotechnology Group, RITE).

cling using CO2 as a direct raw material through bi-

6)

In October 2020, then Prime Minister Suga declaredomanufacturing technology” (total budget: 176.7 billion

the goal of carbon neutrality (zero overall greenhouseyen), and six themes were selected. The main feature ofgas emissions) by 2050. In June 2021, the government

the GI Fund project is that this uses “CO2 carbon as aformulated a “Green Growth Strategy”7) and created a 2

direct raw material,” rather than the conventional bi-

trillion yen GI Fund at NEDO as a budget for address-

omanufacturing by microorganisms from ”biomass re-ing global warming as an opportunity for growth.

sources.”8)

Furthermore, in June 2022, Prime Minister Kishida

Therefore, the aim is to contribute to achieving car-announced the “Grand Design and Implementation

bon neutrality through the development and social im-

Plan for New Capitalism.” This states that bold and fo-

plementation of new biomanufacturing products using

cused investment will be made in biomanufacturing, a

CO2 as a raw material and to change the industrial struc-research field that can pursue both economic growthture through the conversion of CO2 into resources.

9)

and solutions to social issues on a global scale.

RITE, in collaboration with Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

Based on these policies, in 2023, NEDO launched theis currently implementing the "Green Innovation Fund

“Green Innovation Fund Project/Development of Pro-

Project: Promotion of Carbon Recycling Using CO2 as aduction Technology for Biobased Products to Acceler-

Direct Raw Material through Biomanufacturing Tech-ate the Realization of Carbon Recycling” and the “Re-nology, Development and Improvement of Microor-

search and Development of Technologies to Promote

ganisms Capable of Producing Materials from CO 2, De-

Biomanufacturing” to support the diversification of raw

velopment and Verification of Manufacturing Technol-materials and products for biomanufacturing and the

ogy Using Microorganisms Capable of Producing Ma-

advancement of production technology, as well as theterials from CO2, Development and Demonstration of

6

Feature

RITE Today 2024

Microorganisms that can Produce Materials from CO2,

3.3. Themes contributed by RITE

Development and Commercialization of High-value–

Figure 1 shows the research and development im-

added Chemicals using CO2 as a Raw Material throughage of this project conducted by RITE and Sekisui

Biomanufacturing Technology" (project period: 8 years

Chemical Co., Ltd. Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. converts

from FY2023 to FY2030).

CO2 to CO with high efficiency by using a chemical catalyst, which has a high energy level (easily used by living

3.2. Challenges in biomanufacturing from CO2 by micro-organisms). RITE converts CO to polymer raw materials

organisms

for epoxy resin in a bioprocess using acetate-producing

The acetate-producing bacteria (e.g., CO-assimilat-

bacteria (e.g., CO-assimilating bacteria, etc.). The result-ing bacteria) used in this project by RITE/Sekisui Chem-ing polymer raw materials are photodimerized andical Co., Ltd. can efficiently fix gases with the lowest ATP

epoxidized by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. to produce

energy consumption among the seven previously re-heat-resistant adhesives. This high-value–added heat-

ported metabolic pathways that enable gas fixation, in-resistant adhesive is used for specialized bonding ofcluding CO2. Therefore, useful substances can be effi-components that require heat resistance, such as

ciently produced using gas as a raw material. The dis-

smartphones, aircraft, and automobiles. After use, theadvantages are that most acetic acid-producing bacte-adhesive can be combusted into CO2, and the same

ria are anaerobic, requiring dedicated anaerobic culture

scheme can be used for resource recycling. The produc-

facilities and culture knowledge, as well as the develop-

tion cost of the adhesive is expected to be 1.2-fold lessment of genetic modification tools and technology tothan that of the current product.

construct smart cells from acetic acid-producing bacte-

RITE will use the smart cell technology and biopro-ria. These aspects will be addressed through researchduction technology it has developed to date to develop

and development by RITE under the GI Fund project.

strains that can convert CO to polymer raw materials (byFor many years, RITE has enabled the production ofdeveloping genetic recombination tools for CO-assimi-

various useful chemicals and biofuels from sugar feed-lating bacteria and constructing production strains forstock derived from various biomass resources using

intermediate and polymer raw materials from CO),

Coryneform bacteria.

which are the most important issues, using CO-assimilating bacteria, which are acetic acid-producing bacteria,

Fig. 1 Image of commercialization of high value–added chemical products
from CO2 by biomanufacturing technology

7

Feature

RITE Today 2024

and developing bioproduction processes for polymer

conducts development of technologies necessary tofeedstock (process design, optimization of culture con-build a biomanufacturing value chain that uses diverse

ditions, and developing continuous processes), mainly

raw materials as input and diverse products as output.

on a laboratory scale.

The project aims for both economic growth and solvingsocial issues such as environmental problems by con-3.4. Future perspectives

verting the manufacturing process to biomanufacturing

Many refuse combustion facilities in Japan are of theand promoting the social implementation of biobased"complete combustion type," and if NOx and SOx are

products. The project conducts the following: Develop-

removed according to established methods, exhausting technology for procuring raw materials for bioman-gas mainly comprising CO2 can be obtained. Since there

ufacturing, developing microbial-modification plat-

are approximately 10,000 such facilities in Japan, theformers that can promote social implementation of bi-

technology developed in this project could be appliedobased products, developing improvement technology

to waste treatment facilities nationwide. In addition tofor microorganisms, and developing and demonstrat-

these facilities, if CO2 emitted from steel mills, thermal

ing manufacturing technology for mass production.

power plants, factories, and other facilities can be effi-

Together with TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL COR-

ciently used for biomanufacturing, this would contrib-

PORATION and TEIJIN LIMITED, RITE drafted and pro-ute to promoting carbon recycling and to the domestic

posed a development plan to strongly promote the so-carbon fixation and transporting biomass resources, ra-cial implementation of biobased products, and the pro-ther than using sugar and other materials derived fromject was adopted.

biomass resources. This could also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. In Japan, where edible and non-food

4.2. Our theme

biomass resources are not abundant, the ability to use

In our proposal, “Development of bio-upcycling

atmospheric CO2 as a resource is advantageous fromtechnology to produce useful chemicals from unused

the perspective of securing future raw materials.

raw materials,” RITE develops strain-breeding technol-

In the future, new developments are expected to in-

ogies and establishes a strain-development base. The

clude the development of technology for continuous

coproposers, TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORA-

bioproduction of various high-value–added com-

TION and TEIJIN LIMITED, conduct practical develop-

pounds from CO2 at high concentrations and yields, andment of bio-aroma ingredients and high-performancethe selective bioproduction of highly functional andbio-fiber in their respective industrial fields of expertise.

high-value–added compounds from CO2 that are diffi-

More specifically, to produce results that are uniquecult to produce using chemical methods because of iso-and industrially competitive compared with researchmer by-products.

and development in biomanufacturing in Japan andaround the world, we will conduct research and devel-

4. Research and Development of Technologies to Promote Biomanufacturing*

4.1. Project overview
The “Research and Development of Technologies toPromote Biomanufacturing” project launched in 2023

opment focusing on the following items.
i. Food waste and surplus biomass currently being
discarded will be positioned as unused domestic resources, and technology will be developed to process
them into raw materials for fermentation.

8

Feature

RITE Today 2024

ii. We will also develop breeding techniques and es-

markets. The strain-development platformer referred totablish a base for developing microorganisms that canhere is an organization that provides a service for de-utilize raw materials derived from unused resources andveloping high-performance producing strains. This ser-produce even chemicals that are toxic to living micro-

vice is the core of commercializing chemical production

organisms.

technology using microbial fermentation.

iii. By establishing large-scale production technol-

RITE has developed various producing strains

ogy and purification technology, we will develop man-through national projects and corporate joint re-

ufacturing technology for useful chemicals.

searches. Since developing these strains requires ad-

iv. We will conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on

vanced biotechnology, companies without experiencethe manufacturing process of biobased products fromface extremely high hurdles, including initial investment,

unused resources to clarify the environmental perfor-

training of engineers, and acquiring knowledge. For thismance, such as the CO2 reduction effect, of converting

reason, many companies hesitate to enter the bioman-from conventional petrochemical methods to biobased

ufacturing industry. Strain-development platformers

methods (Fig. 2).

are commissioned to develop and provide strains thatcan produce chemical products desired by these companies. These strain-development platformers strongly
promote the conversion of manufacturing processes tobiomanufacturing and the social implementation of biobased products. However, very few organizations thatcurrently operate in Japan that can do this. RITE aims tobecome an organization that revitalizes the entire bioindustry as a bacterial strain-development platformer
by fully using the microbial fermentation production
technology we have accumulated over the years.

4.4. Future perspectives
Fig. 2 Overview of RITE’s theme

The use of biotechnology has extremely high expectations for supporting a shift toward biomanufacturing

4.3. RITE's challenge to become a strain-developmentusing unused resources that can simultaneously solve

platformthe dual challenges of environmental problems and do-

A platform operator (platformer) is a company or or-

mestic economic growth. Strain-development plat-ganization that provides the foundation for users, suchformers play an important role in achieving theseas individuals or companies, to develop their businesses.

changes, and the role of RITE as such a platformer is

As the number of users increases, the amount of infor-

expected to make the following contributions.

mation stored on the platform increases and can be an-

1. Discovering and improving new microbial func-

alyzed and used to expand business. Amazon, Google,

tions: The RITE platformer can explore new microorgan-

and Apple are representative examples of platform op-

isms and microbial functions and discover strains witherators that have a huge impact on their respective

useful properties. This is expected to improve existing9

Feature

RITE Today 2024

microorganisms and create more efficient and environmentally friendly bioprocesses.
2. Use of sustainable resources: The RITE platformer
can develop microorganisms to utilize renewable raw
materials. Technologies that generate energy, such as
bio-fuel, using non-food or discarded biomass as raw
materials are attracting attention as a sustainable energy source.
3. Collaboration with industry: The RITE platformer
is expected to collaborate with industry to provide practical solutions through promoting applied research andFig. 3 Social contribution throughcommercializing production using newly developed

RITE platformer activities

production microorganisms.
4. Human resource development: The RITE plat-

5. Closing remarks

former has a role in nurturing the next generation of

Innovation in biomanufacturing technology is an es-

researchers and engineers. This includes spreading

sential element in building a new industrial structureknowledge and developing biotechnology by sharing

and accelerating sustainable economic development.

research results to the extent possible.

RITE will not only develop these technologies but will

The RITE platformer takes advantage of its charac-also focus on addressing the challenges faced in social

teristics as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation,

implementation and promote the spread of biomanu-

allowing the conduct of research and development andfacturing. Therefore, RITE plans to construct two newhuman resource development without conflicts of inter-

research facilities that will integrate technology andest. RITE will solicit joint research not only from specificequipment. Each corresponds to the two new projects

companies but also from a wide range of industries anddescribed in this feature.

contribute to create a sustainable society by bringing to

The research building to be developed under the GI

the world many bioproducts derived from unused andFund project will be equipped with facilities specializing

renewable resources (Fig. 3).

in fermenting polymer feedstock from CO and developing associated bioprocesses. This research building isscheduled for completion this year (FY2024) and willconsiderably accelerate the development of technology
for the fermentation production of high-value–added
compounds from CO.
The Research and Development of Technologies toPromote Biomanufacturing is also moving forward withplans to construct a dedicated experimental buildingthat will integrate platform functions. Incorporating
digital robotics technology to enable the breeding of
ultraefficient high-producing strains of bacteria. Since

10Feature

RITE Today 2024

multiple strain development requested by companies%83%AB%E3%82%AE%E3%83%BC%E6%8C%87%E4

will be conducted simultaneously, the structure will be%BB%A4renewable-energy-di-designed with sufficient consideration for information

rective%EF%BC%9Ared%E2%85%B2%E3%81%8C%E

security. Construction on this site is expected to begin

6%94%B9%E6%AD%A3%E3%81%B8%EF%BD%9E/

this year.

4)

By promoting the GI Fund Project and the Researchand Development of Technologies to Promote Bioman-https://www.jba.or.jp/nedo_smartcell/en/
5)

ufacturing in this special feature and by progressing theactivities in the respective dedicated research buildings

NEDO “Smartcell Project Results”, (In Japanese),https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/100923930.pdf

6)

on track, RITE aims to explore the feasibility of manufacturing processes that do not depend on fossil fuels

NEDO Smartcell Project,

NEDO Bio-manufacturing Project, (In Japanese),https://www.jba.or.jp/b-production/

7)

Green Growth Strategy with Carbon Neutrality inand contribute to environmental conservation by re-

2050, Cabinet Secretariat Ministry of Economy, Tradeducing CO2 emissions.

and Industry Cabinet Office Financial Services

These activities are important steps toward building

Agency Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communica-

a recycling-oriented society and achieving carbon neu-

tions Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Educa-

trality by 2050. RITE will continue to pursue the further

tion, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minis-

evolution of biomanufacturing, and the realization of atry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry ofsustainable society brought about by this. We sincerely

Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry of thehope that RITE's efforts will serve as a foundation forEnvironment, June 18, 2021. (In Japanese),building a better environment for future generations.

https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/energy_environ-

We hope that this special issue of RITE will help
spread awareness of our activities and inspire people toment/global_warming/ggs/pdf/green_honbun.pdf
8)work together to create a sustainable future.

NEDO Green Innovation Fund, https://green-innovation.nedo.go.jp/en/

9)Grand Design and Implementation Plan of the New

References

Capitalism, June 7, 2022, (In Japanese),

1)

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Realization

https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/atarashii_sihon-of Biomanufacturing Revolution, April 19, 2023, (Insyugi/pdf/ap2022.pdf

Japanese), https://www.meti.go.jp/shin-

2)

10)

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, “Progressgikai/sankoshin/shin_kijiku/pdf/014_05_00.pdf

and Future Issues of Biotechnology Policy,” May 12,

Ministry of the Environment, Commissioned Re-

2023, (In Japanese), https://www.meti.go.jp/shin-search and Study for Promotion of Bioplastic andgikai/sankoshin/shomu_ryutsu/bio/pdf/016_04_00.p

Recycled Materials Utilization, Report, March 24,

df2023, (In Japanese), https://www.env.go.jp/content/000136496.pdf
3)This article is based on results obtained from a project

Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) to be Revised,*(in Japanese), https://baumcon-

commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Tech-sult.co.jp/2022/10/07/%E5%86%8D%E7%94%9F%E5

nology Development Organization (NEDO).

%8F%AF%E8%83%BD%E3%82%A8%E3%83%8D%E3

11

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

Research & Coordination Group
Members (As of Apr. 2024)
Isamu Yagyu, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher[Vacancy] Deputy Group Leader
Tetsuya Deguchi, Associate Chief Researcher
Yoshinori Aoki, Associate Chief Researcher
Jun-ichi Shimizu, Associate Chief Researcher
Kin-ichiro Kusunose, Associate Chief Researcher
Minehiro Takahashi, Manager
Noritaka Mochizuki, Planning Manager
Sou Kuranaka, Planning Manager

Yuka Matsugu, Vice Manager
Yuji Yamashita, Senior Researcher (concurrent)
Yumi Kobayashi, Senior Researcher
Natsuko Yasumoto, Senior Researcher
Hitoshi Nikaido, Senior Researcher
Miho Matsuoka, Vice Manager, Researcher
Nami Tatsumi, Chief
Michiyo Kubo
Mizuki Nagata

Research Efforts to Realize a Carbon-neutral Society
The Research & Coordination Group has four major

Based on the GX Promotion Act, the Strategy for Pro-

functions to 1) explore new R&D topics while looking at

moting Structural Transition Based on Decarbonization

domestic and overseas policies and technology trends,(GX Promotion Strategy) was approved by the Cabinet

and propose and implement new research themes byin July 20233). In addition, the Carbon Managementtaking advantage of the research potential of RITE; 2)

Subcommittee established under the Natural Resources

support the government with regard to IPCC (Intergov-

and Fuel Committee of the Advisory Committee for

ernmental Panel on Climate Change), and facilitate col-Natural Resources and Energy started discussions on is-laboration with international organizations, such as ISO

sues toward CCS commercialization in September 2023,(International Organization for Standardization); 3) pro-and it prepared a summary entitled “What Institutional

mote the dissemination of RITE's technologies and de-

Measures Related to CCS Ought to Be”4) in January 2024.

velop human resources for the future; and 4) promote

In February of the same year, the Bill for the Act on Car-the practical application of technologies through col-bon Dioxide Storage Businesses (CCS Business Act) waslaboration with the industry. We, together with research

approved by the Cabinet5), and it was submitted to thegroups, have been actively working on policy support,

213th ordinary session of the Diet and passed into law.

technology development and the creation of innovationin order to pursue both global environment protectionand economic development.

1)

1.1. GX Promotion Act
With investment competition toward green transfor-

The following is an overview of the Japanese govern-

mation (GX) being accelerated worldwide, Japan, in

ment's actions taken toward carbon neutrality inboth the public and private sectors, needs to invest

FY2023.

more than 150 trillion yen in GX over the next 10 years

The Bill for the Act on Promotion of Smooth Transi-

to fulfill its international pledges, including achievingtion to a Decarbonized Growth-Oriented Economic

carbon neutrality by 2050, strengthen its industrial

Structure (GX Promotion Act) approved by the Cabinet

competitiveness, and achieve economic growth. To

2)in February 2023 was passed into law in May 2023.

12

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

these ends, the GX Promotion Act requires the govern-

etc. and economic trends related to CO2 emissions inment to (1) formulate and implement a GX Promotion

Japan and overseas, measures are examined and neces-

Strategy, (2) issue GX economy transition bonds, (3) in-sary review is conducted based on examination results.

troduce growth-oriented carbon pricing, (4) establish

The detailed system design for the fossil fuel levy and

the GX Promotion Organization, and (5) conduct pro-the emissions trading system are reviewed, including

gress evaluation and necessary review.

concrete measures for the full-scale operation of the(1) Formulation and implementation of the GX Promo-

emissions quota trading system, and necessary legisla-tion Strategy

tive measures are taken within two years after the en-

The government formulates and implements a strat-

forcement of this Act.

egy to promote GX in a comprehensive and systematicmanner.
(2) Issuance of GX economy transition bonds
The government issues GX Economy Transition Bonds,

1.2. GX Promotion Strategy
In July 2023, the GX Promotion Strategy was approved by the Cabinet based on the GX Promotion Act.

which was started from FY2023 for a 10-year period, to

The following are the Strategy's two key pillars:

support upfront investment to realize the GX Promotion(1) For ensuring a stable energy supply, Japan will ad-

Strategy.

vance decarbonization efforts toward GX, including a(3) Introduction of growth-oriented carbon pricing

shift to renewable energy, nuclear power and other de-

Added value is provided to GX-related products andcarbonized electric sources that contribute to increas-businesses by pricing CO2 emissions. Starting in FY2028,

ing Japan's energy self-sufficiency, in addition to thor-

the government will impose a fossil fuel levy on fossil

ough energy savings.

fuel importers in accordance with the amount of CO2(2) For achieving GX, Japan will implement “growth-ori-derived from fossil fuels that is imported. Starting inented carbon pricing initiatives,” including support for

FY2033, the government will allocate CO2 emission al-bold upfront investment by using the GX economy tran-

lowances to power generators for a partial fee and levy

sition bond, etc., incentives for upfront investment in GX

a specific business operator burden fee in accordanceby carbon pricing, and the use of new financial means.

with the amount.
(4) Establishment of the GX Promotion Organization

1.3. CCS Business Act

The GX Promotion Organization has been established

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, it is an im-with the approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade andportant challenge to achieve GX in areas where decar-

Industry. Major functions of the GX Promotion Organi-bonization is difficult. As a means to promote decar-

zation are support for private companies' investment inbonization after the use of fossil fuels and materials in

GX (financial support (debt guarantee, etc.)), collection

such areas, it is indispensable to introduce CCS (carbon

of fossil fuel levies and contributions from specific busi-

dioxide capture and storage), a technology that is usedness operators, and the operation of an emission trad-

to capture and store CO2 underground, as a solution.

ing system (allocation of emission allowances for spe-

Aiming to create a business environment in which pri-cific business operators, bidding, etc.).

vate companies are able to launch CCS businesses in Ja-(5) Progress evaluation and necessary review

pan by 2030, the government will establish a licensing

Based on the implementation status of GX investment,

system for storage business, etc. necessary for creating13

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

the business environment while maintaining public② Development of regulations for storage businesssafety and preserving the marine environment.

operators(1) Establishment of a licensing system for trial-drilling- A specific implementation plan for trial-drilling andand storage business and the development of businessstorage projects requires the approval from the Minister

regulations and safety regulations pertaining to storageof Economy, Trade and Industry.

businesses- Business operators are obliged to monitor the tem-

① Establishment of a licensing system for trial-drilling

perature and pressure of the storage reservoir so thatand storage businessthe leakage of stored CO2 can be identified.

- The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry desig-- To secure funding necessary for monitoring and othernates an area where the reservoir may exist as a “speci-

operations conducted after the stop of CO2 injection,

fied zone,” announces an open call for trial drilling andbusiness operators are required to set aside reserves,

CO2 storage projects in a specified zone, and grants per-etc.

mission to the most appropriate applicants.

- If certain requirements are met, such as stability of the- For those granted permission as stated above, a rightstored CO2, management of storage sites, including

is established for trial drilling (the right to excavate landmonitoring, can be transferred to the Japan Organiza-

to check whether the stratum is appropriate for a reser-tion for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). To securevoir) and a storage business (the right to store CO2 infunds for post-transfer management operations, stor-

the reservoir). To ensure the stable storage of CO2, theage business operators are obliged to contribute funds

rights for trial drilling and storage are a “deemed real

to JOGMEC.

right.”- Storage business operators are prohibited from refus-- A holder of digging right under the Mining Act may

ing CO2 storage requests from CO2 emitters without jus-

conduct trial drilling or a storage business with the per-tification and from discriminatory treatment of certain

mission from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Indus-

CO2 emitters, and they are required to provide notice of

try in areas (mining sites) other than specified zones as

fees, etc.

stated above.

- Safety and security regulations are imposed on stor-- Conventionally, the storage of CO2 in a sea area re-age business operators, including obligations to comply

quired the permission of the Minister of the Environ-with technical standards, submit a work plan, and de-ment pursuant to the provisions of the Act for the Pre-velop safety measures.

vention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disasters. Un-- If a third party suffers damage as a result of an event

der the CCS Business Act, however, the procedures tospecific to a trial drilling or storage project, liability for

obtain the permission are integrated so that the Minis-

damages (i.e., non-fault liability) is imposed on storage

ter of Economy, Trade and Industry may grant the per-business operators, irrespective of intent or negligence,

mission after gaining consent from the Minister of thefrom the perspective of relief for victims.

Environment through prior consultation. Accordingly,(2) Development of business regulations and safety reg-

the licensing system for undersea storage of CO2 emis-

ulations pertaining to CO2 pipeline transport operations

sion under the Act for the Prevention of Marine Pollu-① Establishment of a notification system for pipelinetion and Maritime Disasters was abolished.

transport operations- Those who transport CO2 via pipelines for the purpose

14

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024of storing CO2 in a reservoir are required to submit no-of certain CO2 emitters, and they are required to provide

tification to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Indus-

notice of fees, etc.

try.

- Safety and security regulations are imposed on pipe-② Regulation imposed on pipeline transport operatorsline transport operators, including obligations to com-

- Pipeline transport operators are prohibited from re-ply with technical standards, submit a work plan, andfusing requests for CO2 transport from CO2 emittersdevelop safety measures.

without justification and from discriminatory treatment

Figure 1 Flowchart for storage operations

2. Research study activities

and Industry. To review the “CCS Action Plan” in the Fi-

In FY2023, we were entrusted with the “ Study Projectnal Summary by the CCS Long-term Roadmap Studyon Measures for Stable Fuel Supply (study on the im-Group6), we conducted a study concerning cost targets

provement of the CCS business environment and theand technology development guidelines.

development of a CCS Action Plan with an eye toward

Below is an outline of the CCS cost structure study

achieving carbon neutrality by 2050),” a research pro-conducted to discuss technology development policy

ject commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade(= cost reduction measures) to achieve cost targets.

Table 1 Policies discussed for formulation of the CCS Action Plan6)
Items

Policies Discussed

Annual storage amount targets

Elaborate the annual storage amount targets to be achieved by
2050 based on views and opinions from individual industrial sectors, and make the targets more elaborate according to the progress ofdecarbonization efforts, including energy savings, electrification, andhydrogenization.

Cost targets / technology development
guidelines

After reviewing CCS cost targets as needed, develop technology development guidelines for achieving the targets set, and make theguidelines more elaborate according to the progress of cost reductions.

Suitable site investigation plan

Consider conducting investigation on the geological structure ofcoastal regions while continuing to estimate the location of suitablesites for CO2 storage in areas on which data exists.
Give further consideration to a method to evaluate risk from a geologic fault in a geological structure investigation.

15

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

2.1. Understanding of CCS cost structure

there is a relatively large amount of cost data—are CO2

2.1.1. Trial calculation (example)

emission sources. Other conditions set here are pipeline

Figure 2 shows an example of a trial calculation, intransport and liquefied CO2 transfer by ship, as well as

which a coal-fired power plant (CFPP) and a natural gas

CO2 injection for storage from a land area and injection

combined cycle power plant (NGCC)—for both of which

in a sea area (grounding and floating).

Figure 2 Example of trial calculation (a combination of separation & capture, transport, and storage)

2.1.2. Points to note regarding trial calculation and ma-

noted that this is not a cost estimate based on a specificjor preconditions

site, piece of equipment, etc., and that in each of sepa-

This time, a trial calculation was conducted, with theration/capture, transport and storage, no consideration

amount of CO2 as a variable, under the preconditions

is given to constraints on land, land costs, reserve funds,

set arbitrarily by RITE based on public data. It should be

or compensation costs.

Table 2 Major preconditions for trial calculation of CCS costs
Items

Description

Project period

Operation period (20 years) / post site closure management (20years)

Trial calculation year, exchange rate, etc.

Cost base: 2023
Exchange rate: ¥139/US$ (average for the first half of 2023)7)
Discount rate: 5%External electricity costs: ¥20/kWh
Coal price: ¥26,000/t (Sept. 2023)8)
LNG price: ¥88,000/t (Sept. 2023)8)

Emission sources

CFPP (CO2 level: 12% - 13%)
NGCC (CO2 level: 3% - 4%)
Capacity factor: 70%

Annual CO2 recovery amount

0.5 million, 1 million, 2 million, 3 million ton CO2/year

CO2 separation and capture facilities

CO2 recovery rate: 90%
Chemical absorption method (amines)* Renovation costs for common facilities and existing facilities not

16

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

included
Pipeline transport facilities

CO2 transport pressure: 12.5 MPaG
* Compression power (Calculated for two-stage compression)

Liquefied CO2 transport facilities

Liquefaction equipment (directly cooled)* 0.7 MPaG, - 46C
Storage/loading equipment (land)* Pier not included
Unloading/storage equipment (land)* Pier not included
Boosting equipment for transfer to injection equipment

CO2 carrierStandard value: - 46C (upper limit: - 43C, lower limit: - 50C)
Design pressure: 1.0 MPaG
* Type of ship: up to 50,000 ton class

Other

Renovation costs for existing facilities, reserve funds, general administration costs and miscellaneous costs NOT included

2.2. Outline of trial calculation resultscase of NGCC, however, the percentage of capital ex-

2.2.1. CO2 separation and capture costs（Figure 3, 4）

penditure becomes high when the CO2 recovery

In both CFPP and NGCC, the percentage of capital ex-

amount is 0.5 million tons and 1 million tons, and in thependiture becomes smaller with increasing CO2 recov-

case of other recovery amounts, the percentage of re-ery amount. In terms of economies of scale, effects arenewable energy costs is high. When the CO2 recovery

higher in CFPP than in NGCC. In the case of CFPP, theamount is the same, NGCC, whose emissions flow rate

percentage of capital expenditure is high, irrespective

is higher, has a higher percentage of blower pumpof the amount of CO2 recovery, which is followed by ab-

power than CFPP.

sorbent/industrial water and renewable energy. In the

Figure 3 CO2 capture（Cost structures） ※coal-fired thermal power plant17

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

Figure 4 CO2 capture（Cost structures） ※Natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant

2.2.2. Transport costs (Figure 5, 6)

costs for compressor (compression power) is high, irre-

In both pipeline transport and liquefied CO2 transportby ship, the percentage of capital expenditure becomes

spective of the amount of transport, with about 70% for
3 million tons of transport.

smaller with an increasing CO2 transport amount. In

In liquefied CO2 transport by ship, the percentage ofterms of economies of scale resulting from expanded

electricity costs for liquefaction is high, irrespective oftransport scale, pipeline transport and liquefied CO2

the amount of transport. With external electricity costs

transport by ship showed about the same results.

of ¥20/kWh set as a precondition, each energy cost be-

In pipeline transport, the percentage of electricity

came high.

Figure 5 CO2 Pipeline transport（Cost structures）

18

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

Figure 6 LCO2 Ship Transport（Cost structures）

2.2.3. Storage and monitoring costs (Figure 7, 8, 9)
The percentage of drilling costs in any area of land,sea (grounding), and sea (floating).

base is high.
For the sea area (grounding), the third highest is injection monitoring costs, but for the sea area (floating),

In the case of land area, the percentage of injection

it is costs for undersea equipment. The percentage ofmonitoring costs is second highest, behind drilling

capital expenditure (CAPEX) is relatively higher thancosts. For the sea area (grounding and floating), theseparation/capture and transport.

percentage of costs for grounding base and floating

Figure 7 Storage and Monitoring（Cost structures）※Onshore

19

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

Figure 8 Storage and Monitoring（Cost structures）※Jack-Up

Figure 9 Storage and Monitoring（Cost structures）※Semi-sub

2.3. Summary

This time, the trial calculation of CCS costs was con-

For CCS in Japan, operating expenditure (electricity

ducted for a project that is implemented in an inte-

and fuel costs, etc.) for CO2 separation and capture andgrated manner—from separation/capture to transporttransport is relatively high. So, it is an effective way toand storage. However, when a CCS project is expanded

develop energy-saving equipment and a technology toto the several hundred million yen level, the optimiza-

utilize waste heat. With regard to storage, the percent-tion of a CCS project as a whole needs to be considered

age of CAPEX (drilling costs, platform, undersea equip-

in order to reduce costs.

ment, etc.) is relatively high. So, it is important to discuss
cost reduction measures for CAPEX.

20

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

3. Promotion of international partnership3.1. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
The IPCC has been established in 1988 with a view to
conducting a comprehensive assessment from scientific,
technical, and socio-economic perspectives on climatechange, impact, adaptation and mitigation measures byanthropogenic sources, jointly by the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) and by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The IPCC examines scientific knowledge on global warming and makes the re-Figure 10 Committee structure and RITE

ports prepared by three WGs, - Physical Science Basis(WG1), Impacts and Adaptation, and Vulnerability(WG2), and Mitigation Measures (WG3).

3.2. ISOISO (International Standard Organization) is an or-

In the IPCC, the experts chosen among each country

ganization composed of 170 standardization bodies ofmake the reports, based on the literature or the scien-various countries that gives the common standards andtific observation data and evaluate / examine the scien-

promotes global trade. It can provide safe, reliable, andtific analysis, social economic influence and counter-high-quality products/service by utilizing ISO standards.

measures to control climate change. This outcome is to

In the world, a number of CCS verification projects on

have a high influence on international negotiations

a commercial scale are implemented, and inter-national

since the scientific basis is also given to the policies ofcollaboration is under way. International standardiza-each country.

tion of CCS can contribute to the wide-spread of safe

RITE plays the central role of domestic support secre-

and appropriate CCS as it can ensure internationallytariat of mitigation measures (WG 3) (Figure 10). The

agreed knowledge on safety and environmental aspects.

IPCC launched a new structure for the Seventh Assess-

RITE is a domestic deliberation organization on ISO /ment Cycle (AR7) in July 2023, and decided to provide

TC 265 (Carbon dioxide capture, transportation, and ge-

the Working Group reports, a Special Report on Climate

ological storage) and is in charge of a secretariat of WG

Change and Cities, a Methodology Report on Short-

1 (capture). Through these activities, we are actively in-

Lived Climate Forcers (SLCF), and a Methodology Re-

volved in the international standardization on design,

port on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies (CDR)

construction, operation, environmental planning andand Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), andmanagement, risk management, quantification, moni-has begun its work. RITE has also been supporting METI

toring and verification, and related activities in the CCS

through information gathering, analysis, report, advise,field (Figure 11).

etc.

As of the end of March, 2024, thirteen standards related to the CCS have been published from ISO / TC265
and eight documents are currently under development.
The launch of a new project is also being considered,and TC265 has become more active in recent years. In

21

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

particular, CO2 ship transportation is attracting atten-

understanding through consideration and exchange oftion as a powerful means of transportation from emis-

opinions (Figure 12).

sion sources to CO2 storage site. Development of Technical report related to CO2 ship transportation began in
2022, and it is currently in the final stage.

Figure 12 Human resource development by RITE
Figure 11 ISO/TC265 structure

4. Human development and industry collaboration
4.1. Human development
RITE conducts various human resource development
activities to foster the next generation of re-searchers.
Here, human resource development activities are explained separately for elementary, junior high and highschool students and universi-ty/graduate school students.
<Elementary, junior and high school students>
It is important to educate the next generation about
the issue of global warming. At RITE, we are: i) accepting
field trips for elementary, junior and high school students using research facilities; we are working to respond to class requests. In 2023, 133 students from 6
schools visited RITE. In the class, CCS technology will be（Elementary, Junior and high school students）<University & Postgraduate student>
As part of efforts to develop human resources whowill support next-generation research and technology,
RITE promotes educational partner-ships with universities and graduate schools. We are developing education
at universities and re-search guidance at research institutes (Figure 13). For example, Nara Institute of Scienceand Technology (NAIST) has set up a university-collaborated laboratory in the bio-science field at RITE. We arepromoting research and education aimed at realizing
are cycling-oriented and low-carbon society using renewable resources. In addition, we have established acollaborative laboratory with the materials creation science area of the NAIST, and are promoting research andeducation on CO2 separation and recovery technology.

picked up from the research conducted by RITE, and themechanism of global warming will be explained as
knowledge, and the possibility of leakage through theclay layer (shielding layer) even if CO2, which is the maingreenhouse gas, is stored underground. In addition, activities are based on a learning cycle, such as deepening22

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

as approval of license agreements.
As of the end of March 2024, of the patents for which
RITE is the sole or joint applicant, 16 domestic applications and 18 foreign applications are pending patentapplications, and the registered rights are maintained.
It holds 71 domestic patents (including 7 under license
to companies) and 49 foreign patents (7 of which arelicensed to companies).

Figure 13 Human resource development by RITE
（University ＆ Post graduate students）

4.2. Intellectual property and industry collaboration
RITE strategically and efficiently acquires and manages intellectual property rights such as pa-tents andknow-how regarding the results of re-search and development, etc., and actively utilizes them for the public
interest. The aim is to advance and improve industrial

Figure 14 Strategic IP management and industrial
collaboration

technology that contributes to the conservation of the
global environment.
The acquisition of such research results as intellectual
property creates opportunities for industrial collaboration with companies, etc., and through joint researchand joint applications, further intellectual property is
generated through a virtuous cycle that contributes tosociety. At RITE, we focus on the di-verse functions ofintellectual property rights and strategically promote
intellectual property activities while taking into consideration the market and other research and development trends.
As part of the promotion of intellectual property
strategies, the "Patent Deliberation Committee" was established with RITE executives as members and the
public relations and industry collaboration team as thesecretariat. The main agenda is the acquisition andmanagement of intellectual property such as patent applications and examination requests, patent right

5. Conclusion
Toward the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050,
the government has started the issuance of GX economy transition bonds and various GX promotion
measures. With the enactment of the CCS Business Act,in addition, efforts have just been commenced to develop a business environment in which private companies are able to launch CCS business by around 2030.
However, it is never easy to achieve carbon neutrality.
To achieve this, RITE is required to play an active role inthe social implementation of innovative environmental
technologies. For practical application of CCS and othernew technologies, it is essential to enhance public understanding. Taking advantage of the opportunity todisplay its DACCS (Direct Air Capture and Storage) technology at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, RITE will
make active efforts to enhance public understanding ofmaintenance, and intellectual property strategies such23

R&D Activities ● Research & Coordination GroupRITE Today 2024

the need to achieve carbon neutrality and the im-

World Monthly (Import), Checked in February 2024

portance of CCS.
We at the Research & Coordination Group will also
actively collect information on domestic and overseas
policies and technology trends. With an eye toward realizing carbon neutrality by 2050, we, together with research groups, will actively implement and promotetechnology development and PR activities as well as industry-university cooperation activities. We believe thatthrough RITE's concerted efforts to promote the social
implementation of innovative environmental technologies, we will be able to contribute to carrying out RITE's
mission: “to achieve the balance between the global environmental protection and economic growth.”

Reference
1） RITE, “The Role of RITE”(https://www.rite.or.jp/en/about/)2） The Bill for the Act on Promotion of Smooth Transition
to a Decarbonized Growth-Oriented Economic Structure (GX Promotion Act)
3） The Strategy for Promoting Structural Transition Basedon Decarbonization (GX Promotion Strategy) (Cabinet
approval on July 28, 2023)
4） Interim summary on “What Institutional Measures Related to CCS Ought to Be”
5） The Bill for the Act on Carbon Dioxide Storage Businesses (Cabinet approval on February 13, 2024)（ https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2024/0213_00
3.html）
6） Final Summary by the CCS Long-Term Roadmap Study
Group, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy(March 2024)
7） Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, Exchange
Quotations, “Daily Exchange Quotations – since 1990,”
Checked in February 2024
8） Trade Statistics of Japan published by the Ministry of
Finance, Exports and Imports Values by Commodity,

24

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

Systems Analysis Group
Members (As of Apr. 2024)
Keigo Akimoto, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Koya Yamada, Associate Chief Researcher
Kenichi Wada, Senior Researcher
Miyuki Nagashima, Senior Researcher
Takashi Homma, Senior Researcher
Fuminori Sano, Senior Researcher
Ayami Hayashi, Senior Researcher
Atsuko Fushimi, Senior Researcher
Noritaka Mochizuki, Senior Researcher (concurrent)
Tadashi Kuwatsuru, Senior Researcher
Yuko Nakano, Senior Researcher

Naoko Onishi, Senior Researcher
Teruko Hashimoto, Senior Researcher
Hitotsugu Masuda, Researcher
Teruhisa Ando, Researcher
Jubair Sieed, Researcher
Dahyun Kang, Researcher
Kiyomi Yamamoto, Assistant Researcher
Misako Saito, Assistant Researcher
Sachiko Kudo, Assistant Researcher
Ryoko Minamimura, Assistant Researcher

Research Activities in Systems Analysis GroupThe Systems Analysis Group aims to provide valuable

It is necessary to strengthen measures in each sector

information about response measures to global warm-

to achieve the 2°C and 1.5°C long-term goals of theing and energy issues through systematic approaches

Paris Agreement and carbon neutrality (CN) early in theand analyses at both national and international levels.

second half of the 21st century. Various possibilities

Achieving the long-term 2°C or 1.5°C goals of thehave been presented such as in the IPCC AR62), includ-

Paris Agreement is required. However, it is said thating scenarios with high reliance on negative emissions

there is a large emissions gap between the current sit-through carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and scenarios

uation or the emission reduction targets submitted bywith low reliance on negative emissions through the re-each country in their Nationally Determined Contribu-

alization of a low energy demand society. Furthermore,tions (NDCs) for 2030 and those long-term goals. It istransition pathways to CN realization are even more

important to present emission pathways and counter-varied. For instance, emission reduction pathways formeasure scenarios for each sector quantitatively andeach industrial sector differ from sector to sector inconsistently to limit temperature rise below 2°C or eventerms of the lifetime of existing infrastructure and the

1.5°C, including transition periods such as 2030 anddifficulty of emission reduction measures. Uniform re-

2040. With this background, in FY2023, we have devel-

ductions may increase the cost of countermeasures andoped sectoral transition roadmaps for the world and Ja-

make emission reductions more difficult.

pan to achieve the 2°C and 1.5°C goals using the global

However, in the case where countries, industries, andenergy and climate change mitigation assessment

companies take emission reduction measures at amodel DNE21+, which is published on the RITE web-slower rate than others, there is also a risk of being crit-site . This report provides an overview of the analyses.

icized as “greenwashing”. On the other hand, financial

1)

institutions and evaluation agencies do not necessarily
1. Development of long-term scenarios towards Carbon

have a sufficient understanding of the pathways for

Neutrality (CN) and scenario assumptions

emission reductions that are consistent with the energy

1.1. Background of developing transition roadmaps

system as a whole, so quantitative information to make25

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

judgments about the appropriateness of investments is

as an additional scenario similar to Net Zero by 2050

needed. Therefore, the Network for Greening the Finan-（NZE）5) by IEA. Outlines of the scenarios and assump-cial System (NGFS) and other organizations are devel-tions for model analyses with the DNE21+ are shown inoping emission reduction scenarios using integrated

Table 1. In terms of temperature rises, two scenarios that3)

assessment models that enable quantitative analysis .

are consistent with a 2°C target, and three scenarios

On the other hand, these do not provide sufficient in-consistent with a 1.5°C target are assumed. Global CO2

formation on sectoral emission reduction pathways. The

emissions scenarios are assumed as shown in Figure 1.

International Energy Agency (IEA) has also presented,
but not enough information by country, especially for

Table 1 Assumed scenarios (outline)

the 1.5°C scenario. Likewise, the report by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)4) also has is-

Globalaveragetemp.
increase

Scenarios

Policyspeed#

CDR
contribution

Renewabl
es andBEV

Differencesin policy
intensity
among
regions

Relation to other scenarios
IPCC AR6(IPCC 2022)

NGFS(2022)

IEA

Likely below 2 C,
NDC [C3b]

Disorderly:
DelayedTransition

APS
(WEO
2022)
SDS
(WEO
2021)

sues regarding the consideration of regional and indus-

Disorderly
Below 2 C

1.7 C in
2100(peak:1.8 C)

Gradual(NDCs
in 2030)

mediumMediumcost
reductions

Large (major
developed
countries:
CN by 2050)

trial characteristics. The Government of Japan has de-Orderly
Below 2 C

1.7 C

Rapid

Small

High cost
reductions

Small (equal
MAC amongcountries)

Likely below 2 Cwith immediate
action [C3a]Orderly:
Below 2C

veloped a transition roadmap for FY2021-22 to provide

Disorderly
1.5 C1.4 C in
2100(peak:1.7 C)

Gradual(NDCs
in 2030)

Large

Mediumcost
reductions

Large (major
developed
countries:
CN by 2050)

1.5 C with highovershoot (IMPNeg) [C2](Disorderly:
Divergent
Net Zero)*

Orderly 1.5
C

1.4 C in
2100(peak:1.6 C)

Rapid

MediumHigh cost
reductions

Medium(majordeveloped
countries:
CN by 2050)

1.5 C with no or
limited overshoot[C1]

Orderly:Net
Zero2050

1.5CCO2_CN

Approx.
below 1.5 C

Rapid

Small
(Near-zero of
CO2 bysector)High cost
reductions

Large (major
developed
countries:
CN by 2050)

1.5 C with no or
limited overshoot[C1]

a specific direction for the transition toward achievingcarbon neutrality, and to use this roadmap in transition
finance. These also provide useful information, but at

NZE

the same time, they were developed on a sector-bysector basis, therefore, there is a need to further im-

80
70

prove the accountability for consistency with the overall

consistency among sectors.
Therefore, we developed emission reduction scenarios, including transition roadmaps by sector, that are

CO2 emissions [GtCO2/yr]

2°C and 1.5°C emission reduction pathways, as well as

60
50
40
30
Historical

20

Baseline
Disorderly 2.0C

10

Orderly 2.0C0consistent with the 2°C and 1.5°C targets globally and-10with economic rationality while taking into account the

-20
2000

Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C
1.5C-CO2_CN

differences among countries and sectors, using the

2020

2040

2060

2080

2100

Figure 1 Global CO2 emissions pathways

global energy and climate change mitigation model:
the DNE21+ model, which minimizes total energy sys-

2. World

tems costs for the period up to 2100.

2.1. Scenario analysis using DNE21+
This section describes the scenarios for the world.

1.2. Scenrio assumptions

Figure 2 shows the global GHG emissions by sector.

For assuming scenarios for quantitative analyses us-

Earlier CO2 reduction from the power generation sector

ing DNE21+, the NGFS scenarios3) are basically refer-is shown to be economically rational compared to otherenced. NGFS develops Orderly scenarios and Disorderly

sectors.

scenarios, based on whether the transition will proceed

Figure 3 shows the global electricity supply. Whileorderly or not. Complying with this, we have developed

coal power generation is significantly suppressed even

our Orderly scenarios and Disorderly scenarios, as wellin 2030, several scenarios can be seen where gas power

26

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

generation with CCS increases more than in the baseline,

methane (e-methane) is relatively smaller as many

indicating the transition to gas is proceeding. For Or-

countries have larger potentials for domestic renewable

derly scenarios where relatively lower expansion rates

energies, renewable energies over cross-border inter-of CO2 storage are assumed, the introduction of gas

connection, and domestic CO2 storage. However, in the

power with CCS is smaller compared to Disorderly sce-

1.5C-CO2_CN scenario where large deployments of CDR

narios, and solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power

are constrained, those consumption is substantial.

with further cost reduction assumed will increase instead.

7000

6000

45

Non-energy use: gas

40

Non-energy use: oil
products
Non-energy use: coal

DACCS

70000

Non-CO2 GHGs
Prosess CO2

60000

LULUCF CO2Other energy conversion
Power generation

40000

Residential and commercial

30000

Electricity
30

4000

25

3000

20
15

2000

1000

Other industries-10000

2015

2030

2040

Orderly 1.5C

e-methane (synthetic
methane)Natural gas
Biofuels
e-fuels (synthetic oil)

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C0

Orderly 1.5C

Road transport

1.5C-CO2_CN

Domestic aviation

Orderly 2.0C

Other domestic transport

10000

Hydrogen

50

Disorderly 1.5C

0Baseline

International aviation

Ammonia10International naviation

20000

Disorderly 2.0C

GHG emissions [MtCO2eq/yr]

50000

5000

Electrification ratio [%]80000

Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

35

2050

Oil products
Biomass
Coal
Electrification ratio(right axis)

ChemicalPaper and pulp

-20000Cement-30000Figure 4 Final energy consumption in industry (world)

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2030

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2015

Disorderly 1.5C

Disorderly 2.0C

Baseline

Iron and steel

2.2 Comparison with other scenarios

2050

Comparisons with existing international scenario

Figure 2 GHG emissions (world)

analyses are described below. As described below, sce90000
90000

Solar
(w/o
grid)
SolarPV
PV
(w/o
grid)
Wind
(w/o
grid)
Windpower
power
(w/o
grid)

80000
80000

Ammonia (cofiring with coal)

Electricity
generation[TWh/yr]
Electricitygeneration[TWh/yr]nario analyses by RITE are highly consistent with themAmmonia (cofiring with coal)

70000
70000

Ammonia

60000
60000

Hydrogen

50000
50000

SolarPVthermalSolar

Ammonia

Hydorogen (cofiring with gas)

Hydorogen (cofiring with gas)

HydrogenSolarthermalWind
Solarpower
PV

40000
40000

Nuclearpower
Wind power
Hydro and Geothermal

Nuclear power

30000
30000

Biomass (cofiring with coal) w/
Hydro and Geothermal
CCUS
Biomass w/ CCUS

Biomass (cofiring with coal)

20000
20000

Biomass(cofiring with coal) w/ow/ CCUSCCUS
Biomass w/ CCUS
Biomass w/o CCUS

10000
10000

Biomass(cofiring with coal)Gas
w/ CCUSand have high explainability, with small variations dueto the differences in models and assumptions.
Figure 5 shows the comparison of global CO 2 emissions by sector with those by IPCC. The sectoral CO 2

w/o CCUS

2030
2030

2040
2040

1.5C-CO2_CN
1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly
1.5C
Orderly1.5C

Disorderly
1.5C
Disorderly1.5C

Orderly
2.0C
Orderly2.0C

Disorderly
2.0C
Disorderly2.0C

Baseline
Baseline

Orderly
1.5C
Orderly1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN
1.5C-CO2_CN

Disorderly
1.5C
Disorderly1.5C

Orderly
2.0C
Orderly2.0C

Baseline
Baseline

Disorderly
2.0C
Disorderly2.0C

1.5C-CO2_CN
1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly
1.5C
Orderly1.5C

Orderly
2.0C
Orderly2.0C

Disorderly
1.5C
Disorderly1.5C

Baseline
Baseline

2015
2015

Disorderly
2.0C
Disorderly2.0C

Biomass
Gas
CGS w/o CCUS

00

2050
2050

Gas
Gasw/ow/ CCUSCCUS
Oilw/ CGS
CCUS
Gasemissions in DNE21+ scenario analyses are almost con-

Oil w/o CCUS

Gas w/o CCUS

Coal wi/ CCUS

Oil wi/ CCUS

Coal w/o CCUS

Figure 3 Electricity supply (world)

sistent with those in IPCC and encompass their upperand lower limits, with a few exceptions of exceeding
their ranges in the transport and the residential andFigure 4 shows the global final energy consumptioncommercial sectors. A major factor of residual emissions

in the industry sector. Similar to the power generationin these sectors slightly exceeding IPCC scenario ranges

sector, coal consumption decreases, and consumption

may be whether CDRs, especially direct air carbon cap-of gas and electricity increases. The decrease in coalture and storage (DACCS) are considered in the models

consumption is relatively smaller compared to theor not (Figure 6).

power generation sector because coal usage is needed
for crude steel production by the blast furnace/basic
oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) in the iron and steel sector.
Compared to the analysis results for Japan shown later,
consumption of hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic27

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

DNE21+ scenarios in 2050
DNE21+
Scenarios

Disorderly 1.5C
(1.4C)

Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 2.0C
(1.7C)

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 1.5C
(1.4C)

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN(approx. 1.5C)

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C
(1.6C)

Note) the parentheses numbers are temperature rise in 2100

Figure 5 Comparison with global CO2 emission scenarios
of IPCC

Figure 7 CO2 marginal abatement costs: compared with

Source) IPCC AR6 , with DNE21+ scenarios plottedNote) Boxes indicate 25th and 75th percentiles, while whiskers indicate 5th and 95th percentiles in IPCC scenarios.

NGFS

2)

AR6, Fig. 3.33

IEA WEO2022 NZE【corresponding to the IPCC C1】

Carbon price in 2050：180～250 $/tCO2(which is quite cheaper than those of
IPCC and DNE21+ scenarios)

DNE21+ and IPCC scenarios
in 2050 (USD/tCO2eq)
DNE21+

DNE21+
Scenarios

IPCC(25-75 percentile, approx.)

Disorderly 2.0C
Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C
Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

119～500

C3

Orderly 2.0C

158

C3

Disorderly 1.5C

268～685

C2

Orderly 1.5C

268～465

C1

1.5C-CO2_CN

293～351

C1

150～350200～350450～1000

1.5C-CO2_CN

Figure 6 Comparison with global CDR scenarios of IPCC

Figure 8 CO2 marginal abatement costs: compared with

Source) IPCC AR6 , with DNE21+ scenarios plotted (only for 2050)
Note) As for IPCC AR6, only the scenarios categorized as C1-C3
are shown.

IPCC

2)

3. JapanFigure 7 shows a comparison with NGFS in carbon

This section describes the quantitative scenario anal-

prices (CO2 marginal abatement costs; MAC) in eachysis for Japan.

scenario. For 1.5°C scenarios, carbon price levels in

3.1. GHG emissions

DNE21+ scenarios are almost consistent with those in

Figure 9 shows Japan’s GHG emissions by sector. For

NGFS scenarios, with a tendency of slightly lower MAC

three scenarios where net-zero emissions of GHG are

as DACCS are considered in the DNE21+ model. Com-achieved by 2050 (Disorderly 2.0C and Disorderly/Or-

parisons of MACs with scenarios in the IPCC report are

derly 1.5C), measures such as DACCS, land-use CO2 (CO2shown in Figure 8. Many models in the IPCC report es-

sequestration by afforestation), and net negative emis-

timate them under the condition of MACs being glob-

sions of CO2 in the power sector (achieved with biomass

ally equalized. MACs in DNE21+ scenarios are con-with CCS (BECCS) and e-methane with CCS) are intro-

sistent with those in the IPCC report. While many IPCC

duced. For the Orderly 2.0C scenario where net-zeroscenarios do not assume DACCS, DNE21+ does assume

emission of GHG by 2050 is not assumed and global

DACCS, thus leading to slightly lower MACs in 2050

cost minimization (equal MACs across countries) is as-compared to those in the C1 scenario in IPCC.

sumed, a reduction of approximately 70% compared to28

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

2013 is shown to be cost-efficient. In this case, residual
CO2 emissions from the power sector or iron and steel
sector are allowed.

3.2. Primary energy supply, electricity, and other energy
conversion
Figure 11 shows the primary energy supply in Japan.

Figure 10 shows the balance between CO2 capture

Japan's potential for renewable energy and CO2 seques-

and storage/utilization in Japan. In 2030 and 2040, CO 2

tration is not large compared to its energy demand,

captures from coal and gas power plants or BF-BOF are

therefore, importing and using carbon-neutral fuels

introduced. For some scenarios, captures from biomass

such as e-methane, e-fuels, and biofuels as well as hy-

power plants and DAC are introduced in 2040 and theirdrogen and ammonia are evaluated as cost-effective. In

amount increases in 2050. In the 1.5-CO2_CN scenario,

Orderly 2.0C with emission reductions of around 70%

BECCS and e-methane with CCS in the power sector,

below 2013 levels by 2050, those amounts are relatively

and DACCS are not allowed (CCU that utilizes CO2 cap-

small, and it is overall cost-effective to deepen emission

tured by DAC is allowed), therefore CO2 captures fromreductions in other countries to achieve the global 2°C

coal (including biomass co-firing) and gas power plants

target, leaving coal and gas supplies without CCS.

and cement sector are observed even in 2050.

Figure 12 shows the amount of electricity generated.
To promote electrification, the total amount of electric-

1400

DACCS

ity generated increases, especially under the severe

Non-CO2 GHGs

1200

Prosess CO2
LULUCF CO2

GHG emissions [MtCO2eq/yr]

1000

emission reduction scenario. In addition to expansions

Other energy conversion
Power generation

800

Residential andcommercial
International naviation

600

International aviation
Other domestic transport

400

of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar PV) and utilization of CCS, power generation using imported hydro-

Domestic aviation
Road transport

200

Other industries

gen and ammonia is being promoted to reduce CO2

Chemical0Paper and pulp
Cement-200

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2030

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

2015

generation with CCS in 2050 in all scenarios except Orderly 2.0C and 1.5C-CO2_CN. In the Disorderly scenarios,

2050

since variable renewable energy (VRE) is assumed to be

Figure 9 GHG emissions (Japan)

relatively high, imported from overseas hydrogen andCO2 capture, storage and utilization [MtCO2/yr]
CO2 capture, storage and utilization [MtCO2/yr]

150

CO2 overseas transport
CaptureCCU
CO2 geological storage
CaptureDAC
Ammonia production
CementCoal-fired
BF-BOF
Oil-firedHydrogen production
Gas-fired
Biomass-fired
Biomass-fired
Gas-firedHydrogen production
Oil-fired
BF-BOF
Coal-fired
Ammonia production

0

Storage,utilization
DAC

-100

CO2 geological storage
CCU

-50

CO2 overseas transport

2030

2040

2050

1.5C-CO2_CN
1.5C-CO2_CN 1.5C-CO2_CN

2050

Orderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C
Disorderly 1.5C Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 2.0C

1.5C-CO2_CN 1.5C-CO2_CN
Disorderly 2.0C

2040

Orderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C
1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 2.0C

2030

Disorderly 1.5C Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

2030

Orderly 2.0C
Disorderly 1.5C

-150

Disorderly 2.0C
Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 2.0C

-150

Orderly 1.5C
1.5C-CO2_CN-100

1.5C-CO2_CN
1.5C-CO2_CN
Disorderly 2.0C

-150

Orderly 1.5C

-100

CementDisorderly 1.5C
Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

-50

50
-50

Orderly 2.0C

0

100
0

2.0C1.5C
Orderly
Disorderly

50

150
50

Disorderly 2.0C
2.0C2.0C
Disorderly
Orderly

CO2 capture, storage and utilization [MtCO2/yr]

150 100

100

emissions. It is noted, e-methane is used for gas power

Iron and steel

2050

Figure 10 CO2 balance (Japan)

Storage,utilization

ammonia (since a high rate of expansion of CO2 storageis assumed, it is easier to produce blue hydrogen andblue ammonia abroad) tend to be used for power generation. On the other hand, in the Orderly scenarios, theuse of VRE, which is expected to become even cheaper,is relatively expanded, while power generation usinghydrogen and ammonia is rarely seen. The latter is because the expansion rate of CO2 sequestration is assumed to be low, making production overseas difficult.
Note that 1.5C-CO2_CN constrains the use of BECCS ande-methane with CCS to be unavailable, resulting in the
deployment of coal power with CCS.
Figure 13 shows the CO2 emission intensity in the29

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

power sector for each scenario. Although the power

500

source composition is different in Disorderly 2.0C/1.5C

400

Non-energy use gas
Non-energy use oil

450

Non-energy use coal

Solar thermal
Solar PV

300

Wind power

250

Nuclear power

Hydro and Geothermal

200

Biomass w/ CCUS

intensity, and it is evaluated to be cost-effective overall

150

Biomass w/o CCUS

100

Import of e-methane (synthetic
methane)Gas w/ CCUS

50

Gas w/o CCUS
Import of e-fuels (synthetic oil)to achieve net zero GHG emissions around 2040 in the2015

Figure 14 shows a comparison of the cumulative CO 2

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2030

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

power sector.

Orderly 2.0C

0
Disorderly 2.0C

nificant difference in the transition of the CO 2 emission

Import of biofuels

Primary energy supply [Mtoe/yr]

and Orderly 1.5C as mentioned above, there is no sig-

Import of hydrogen and ammonia

350

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

2050

Figure 11 Primary energy supply (Japan)

emissions in the power sector for 2020-2030 with theGovernment of Japan Roadmap6), which is slightly be-

and 1.5°C emission reduction pathways. Between 2031
and 2050, the government Road map is within the range

Solar PV (w/o grid)Wind power (w/o grid)

1600

Ammonia (cofiring with coal)
Ammonia

1400
Hydorogen (cofiring with gas)

Electricity generation [TWh/yr]

low the five DNE21+ scenarios, consistent with the 2°C

1800

Hydrogen

1200

Solar thermal
Solar PV1000

of the five DNE21+ scenarios, which is consistent.

Wind power
Nuclear power

800

Hydro and Geothermal
Biomass (cofiring with coal) w/ CCUS

600

Biomass w/ CCUS

400

Biomass (cofiring with coal) w/o
CCUS
Biomass w/o CCUS

200

Gas w/ CCUS
Gas CGSAs for hydrogen-based energy, hydrogen can be pro-

2015

2030

2.0C/1.5C and 1.5C-CO2_CN, where further cost reduc-Gas w/o CCUS

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

duced domestically by water electrolysis in Orderly

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C0

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

2050

Figure 12 Electricity supply (Japan)

tion of VRE is expected, while in other scenarios, it is
exclusively imported from overseas. In 2030 and 2040,

120

used in direct reduced iron (DRI) production in the iron80

and steel sector. As for ammonia, blue ammonia produced overseas is used in the power generation sector,

CO2 CO2排出原単位
emission intensity[Y2015=100][Y2015=100]

most of it is used in power generation, but by 2050, it is100- Renewables and nuclear power- Phased down of fossil power- Biomass mix power etc.

- CCUS- Ammonia and hydrogen mix power etc.

60

- CCUS (BECCS)- Ammonia and hydrogen power etc.

40
Disorderly 2.0C
20

partly because the cost reduction of VRE is relatively0slow in Disorderly 2.0C/1.5C. It is also used in industrial-20

sectors such as petrochemical sector as carbon-neutral-40

Orderly 2.0C
Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN
2015

fuel. e-methane is used in the residential and commer-

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Figure 13 CO2 intensity of electricity (Japan)

cial sectors, other industrial sectors, and the power sector (with the introduction of CCS, it is practically a neg-

2500
2000
1500
1000

2000
The RM level by GoJ (2021)

1500
1000

500

500

1.5C-CO2_CN

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

0

0than e-methane are also used.

2500

Disorderly 1.5C

technology is also observed. Imported e-fuels other

The RM level
by GoJ (2021)

3000

Orderly 2.0C

domestic production using innovative methanation

3500

Disorderly 2.0C

low, and imported, however, under the 1.5C-CO2_CN,

3000
4000

CO22排出量[MtCO
Cumulativeemissions
累積CO
[MtCO
2 ] 2]

produced overseas where renewable energy costs are2031−2050
3500

4500

累積CO
[MtCO
2 ] 2]
CO2排出量[MtCO
Cumulativeemissions

ative emission like BECCS). The e-methane is mainly

2020−2030
5000

Figure 14 CO2 emissions in power sector (Japan):comparison with the RM by GoJ

30

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

3.3. Gas and oil supply

120- Shift to e-methane and hydrogen

Figure 15 shows the gas supply. Under Orderly 2.0C,

or slightly decreases by 2050. Other scenarios predictgreater uses of hydrogen or e-methane in 2040 and

CO2CO2排出量
emissions[Y2015=100][Y2015=100]

the supply of natural gas supply keeps the current level

100

80

60
Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C

40

2050. The choice between hydrogen and e-methane isDisorderly 1.5C

sensitive depending on preconditions, such as the as-

20

sumption of cost reduction timing. As in Figure 16,0- Shift to e-methane (innovative
methanation) and hydrogen

Orderly 1.5C
1.5C-CO2_CN

2015

which shows CO2 emissions in the gas sector, the CO2

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Figure 16 CO2 emissions from gas (Japan)

emission intensity is not improved in 2030 and 2040,
compared to that in the power generation sector. Since160

Non-energy use
oil products

140

natural gas has a low CO2 intensity, its use is consistent

fuel efficiency, and the shift to EVs, etc. in any scenario.
This trend is notable particularly in Orderly 1.5C and1.5C-CO2_CN, which assumes high technological progress and cost reduction in renewable energy and EVs.
The use of e-fuels can be also seen in 2050. Especiallyin Orderly 1.5C, in which the constraint on CO2 storage
expansion is assumed, oil is replaced with e-fuels more
and more, as emission offset is limited and the price ofe-fuels decreases due to further reductions in renewable energy costs.

Oil products

20

2015

2030

2040

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

0

2050

Figure 17 Oil (liquid fuels) supply (Japan)Note) The uses in power sector are not included here.

3.4. Industry sector
Figure 18 shows the final energy consumption in industry. Coal use remains even in 2040 at a level close tothat in 2030, for the usage in BF-BOF in the iron andsteel sector. In 2050, there is no use of coal, and the usesof hydrogen, ammonia, and e-methane are observed in
the scenarios other than Orderly 2.0C.
Figures 19 and 20 show the final energy consumption
and crude steel production by technology in the iron50
45

Enegy supply [Mtoe/yr]

40

Orderly 2.0C

for transportation services, the improvements in vehicle

e-fuels(synthetic oil)

60

Disorderly 1.5C

use significantly decreases due to a decline in demand

80

Baseline

Figure 17 shows the oil (liquid fuels) supply. The oil

100

Disorderly 2.0C

2040.

Biofuels
Energy supply [Mtoe/yr]

with the 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios until around 2030 to120

Non-energy use
natural gas

40

and steel sector, respectively. As mentioned earlier,

35

Hydrogen &ammonia30

there is a considerable amount of coal used in 2040.

25
20

e-methane(synthetic
methane)15
10Natural gas

5

2030

2040

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline
2015

Disorderly 2.0C

0

2050

Figure 15 Gas supply (Japan)Note) The uses in power, iron & steel, and petrochemical sectors
are not included here and described in each sectoral analysis.

There are also scenarios where BF-BOF steel manufacturing using external hydrogen, such as SuperCOURSE50, becomes economically efficient. In 2050,
there is no use of coal, and the BF-BOF is completely
replaced by hydrogen-using direct reduced iron (DRI) +electric furnace (EF) except for Orderly 2.0C, where total
emission is predicted to be 70% lower than that in 2013.

31

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

The use of e-methane is used in the scrap EF process.

120
Scrap-based EAF, high efficiency
Scrap-based EAF, middle efficiency

Natural gas-based DRI
60

Hydrogen use from other sectors＋CCS（e.g., Super COURSE50）Internal hydrogen use＋CCS（e.g.,
COURSE50）

40

BF-BOF, next-generation coke oven
BF-BOF, high efficiency
20
BF-BOF, middle efficiency

some scenarios, and converting to the hydrogen-based

BF-BOF, low efficiency

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

Baseline

1.5C-CO2_CN

0

Orderly 2.0C

after 2030, promoting the use of external hydrogen in

Hydrogen-based DRI

Disorderly 1.5C

sion is achieved in 2050 by introducing CCS in the BF

Scrap-based EAF, low efficiency
80

Disorderly 2.0C

iron and steel sector. In any scenario, nearly zero emis-

Crude steel production [Mt-Crudesteel/yr]

Figure 21 shows the CO2 emissions intensity in the100

DRI + EF from 2040 onwards. However, in Orderly 2.0C,

2015

where Japan does not make much progress in reducing

Figure 20 Steel production by technology (Japan)

2030

2040

2050

CO2 emissions, the BF-BOF without CCS continues to be
used and some emissions remain even in 2050. Figure120- H2 input to blast furnace- CCUS(e.g., Super COURSE50)

22 shows a comparison of the DNE21+ scenarios andfor CO2 emissions in the iron and steel sector. In thegovernment’s roadmap, while the upper limit for 20202030 has slightly higher emissions, other levels are

CO2 CO2排出原単位
emission intensity[Y2015=100][Y2015=100]

100

the roadmap formulated by the government of Japan

80

60
Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C

40

Disorderly 1.5C

within the range of the five DNE21+ scenarios and are

20

consistent with the 2°C and 1.5°C emission reduction

Orderly 1.5C
1.5C-CO2_CN- H2-based DRI02015

paths as a whole.

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

45

Non-energy use: gas

160

40

Non-energy use: oil
products

140

35

120

30

Non-energy use: coal

CoalElectrification ratio(right axis)

2050

Figure 18 Final energy consumption in industry (Japan)

60
Electricity

1000

500

0

1000

500

0

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

2030

Biomass

Orderly 1.5C

0Disorderly 1.5C

0

1500

Orderly 2.0C

5

1500

2000

Disorderly 2.0C

20

e-fuels (synthetic oil)

累積CO2排出量
[MtCO
2] 2]
CO2 emissions[MtCO
Cumulative

Biofuels

Natural gas

1.5C-CO2_CN

10

The RM level by GoJ (2021)

Orderly 1.5C

15

40

2000

Disorderly 1.5C

e-methane (synthetic
methane)60

2015

The RM level by GoJ (2021)

HydrogenOrderly 2.0C

20

2500

Disorderly 2.0C

2580

CO2 emissions[MtCO
Cumulative
累積CO2排出量
[MtCO
2] 2]

100

2031−2050

2500
Ammonia

Oil products

Figure 22 CO2 emissions in iron & steel sector (Japan):Hydrogen50

e-methane (synthetic
methane)40comparison with the RM by GoJ

Natural gas
Biofuels30

e-fuels (synthetic oil)20
Oil products
Biomass

10

Figure 23 and Figure 24 show the final energy consumption and clinker production by technology in the

Coal

2015

2030

2040

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 2.0C

Baseline

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

0

Disorderly 2.0C

Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

2020−2030

Electricity
Electrification ratio [%]Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

Figure 21 CO2 intensity of iron & steel sector (Japan)
180

2050

cement sector, respectively. A shift from to gas is considered to be cost-effective in 2030 except Orderly 2.0C.

Figure 19 Final energy consumption in iron & steel (Ja-A shift to gas is further promoted towards 2040, and e-pan)methane is the main source by 2050. In 1.5C-CO2_CN,
which restricts the use of CDR, the deployment of CCS

32

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

progresses, and therefore energy consumption is

The scenario analysis and roadmap development forhigher than in other scenarios. Figure 25 shows the CO 2

the pulp and paper and the chemical sectors have been

emissions intensity of the cement sector. In scenarios

also conducted.

other than 1.5C-CO2_CN, no CCS implementation isseen, and emission including process-derived CO2 re-3.5. Transport sector

mains even in 2050. Net zero emission is achieved in

Figure 26 shows the final energy consumption in the

1.5C-CO2_CN by introducing e-methane with CCS (nettransport sector. In the Orderly scenario and the 1.5C-

negative emissions).

CO2_CN scenario, which assume significant reduction in
the costs of renewable energy and EVs, electricity con-

4.5

can be observed as well, from around 2040. In Orderly

Ammonia

3.5

Final enerrgy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

sumption particularly increases, and the use of e-fuelsElectricity

4

Hydrogene-methane (synthetic
methane)3

Natural gas

2.5
2

1.5C and 1.5C-CO2_CN, passenger cars are expected to
be BEVs or FCEVs, and e-fuels is mainly used in trucks in

Biofuels
e-fuels (synthetic oil)1.5
Oil products1

the road transport sector.

Biomass
0.5
Coal

40

70

35

Hydrogen60

30

e-methane (synthetic
methane)

50

25

40

20

30

15

20

10

Large size, best
available efficiency

105Large size, highefficiency w/ CCUS

00Electricity

Small size, highefficiency

10

2015

2040

Electrification ratio [%]Oil products

Orderly 1.5C

Electrification ratio(right axis)

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2030

Disorderly 1.5C

Small size, best
available efficiency

Baseline

20

Disorderly 2.0C

Large size, low-mid.
efficiency

Orderly 1.5C

Large size, highefficiency w/o CCUS

30

e-fuels (synthetic oil)Coal

1.5C-CO2_CN

40

2050

Figure 26 Final energy consumption in transport (Japan)

Small size, low-mid.
efficiency

2015

2030

2040

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

0

70

2050

Figure 24 Clinker production by technology in cement
sector (Japan)

120

Number of passenger cars owned [million vehicles]

Crinker production [Mt-Clinker/yr]

50

Biofuels

Biomass

Orderly 2.0C

60

Natural gas

Baseline

Figure 23 Final energy consumption in cement (Japan)

Disorderly 1.5C

2050

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

2030

80

Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

2015

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

0

60

FCEV

50

BEV
40

PHEV

30

20

HEV

10

ICEV

2015

60
40

Disorderly 2.0C
Orderly 2.0C

20

- Energy saving andefficiency improvement- Fuel shift (from coal to gas) - Energy saving andefficiency improvement- CCS- Fuel shift (from coal tosyn. methane)
- CCS

2030

2040

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

Disorderly 1.5C

Orderly 2.0C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 1.5C

- Energy saving andefficiency improvement- Fuel shift (from coal to gas)

Disorderly 1.5C

80

Orderly 2.0C

CO2 CO2排出原単位
emission intensity[Y2015=100][Y2015=100]

100

Disorderly 2.0C

Baseline

02050

Figure 27 Number of passenger cars by technology (Japan)

Disorderly 1.5C
Orderly 1.5C

0
2015

2020
2025
1.5C-CO2_CN

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Figure 27 shows the number of passenger cars by-20

technology in Japan. In the Disorderly scenarios, which

Figure 25 CO2 intensity of cement sector (Japan)

assume a medium level of EV technological progress,

33

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

emission reduction measures for passenger cars focus

finding is consistent with IPCC and IEA scenarios. On theon HEVs around 2030, expand to PHEVs afterward, andother hand, natural gas, which has a small CO2 emission

PHEVs become the main focus in 2050. On the otherintensity, was assessed as a more economically efficient

hand, in scenarios which assume high cost reduction inmeasure to be increased toward 2030 in Japan, even inEVs, BEVs are expected to diffuse from an earlier stage

the 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios. In addition, the steel sector

and become dominant in 2040, and FCEVs are also ex-

was shown to have a scenario in which CO2 reduction

pected to diffuse in 2050.

measures are difficult to implement and emissions will
only be reduced by a maximum of 10% until around3.6. Residential and commercial sector

2040. These analyses are generally consistent with the

Figure 28 shows the final energy consumption in

sectoral roadmaps developed by the Government of Ja-

building. The improvement of electrification ratio is

pan for FY2021-22, and the government roadmap iscost-effective as emissions reduction is stricter. In Or-

consistent with not only the 2°C but also the 1.5°C emis-

derly 2.0C, city gas is used as before, and in other sce-sion reduction pathway.

narios, the gaseous fuels are e-methane or hydrogen.

In this analysis, we have presented only five scenarios.
Even so, there is a large range, but in reality, there are120

90Electricity
80

Hydrogen70

e-methane (synthetic
methane)

80
60
60
50
40

Electrification ratio [%]Final energy consumption [Mtoe/yr]

100

Natural gas
Biofuels
e-fuels (synthetic oil)Oil products

40

uncertainties that cannot be fully taken into account in
the five scenarios, and therefore, the interpretation of
the scenarios needs to be carefully considered. Moreover, while the DNE21+ model is relatively detailed, theBiomass
20

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C
2040

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline

Disorderly 2.0C

Orderly 1.5C

1.5C-CO2_CN

Orderly 2.0C
2030

Disorderly 1.5C

Baseline
2015

Disorderly 2.0C

0

30

Coal

20

Electrification ratio(right axis)

2050

Figure 28 Final energy consumption in building (Japan)

model still provides a highly simplified representationof real-world situations. The reality is that there are diverse agents and both re-tiring and new construction
require a more complex transition process, including
time-consuming coordination with the local community,

4. Summary

however, the model is largely unable to account for

Five scenarios that are consistent with the 2°C andthese factors. To ensure transparency in the model anal-

1.5°C targets and consistent with the NGFS and IEA sce-ysis, non-transparent constraints are also intentionallynarios were assumed and were analyzed including tran-

not taken into account. Therefore, we believe that tak-sition pathways, using the DNE21+ model, which ena-

ing cost-effective measures from among the widest

bles quantitative and globally consistent analysis. Emis-

possible range of options, with a good understanding

sion pathways varied significantly by sector and variedof these issues, will lead to the realization of CN at an

substantially by assumed scenarios of technology andearlier stage, and that this scenario analysis andother factors. In particular, there can be large differ-roadmap will be useful in developing such a strategy.

ences depending on the projections of CDR. In addition,

It is an ongoing challenge to continue to follow tech-a comparison of emission pathways by sector shows

nological trends and update the roadmap as appropri-that the power generation sector, which offers moreate, as well as to develop roadmaps for individual coun-emission reduction options, is required to improve its

tries and regions other than Japan, to contribute to theCO2 emission intensity from a relatively early stage. This

promotion of its use in a wide range of countries.

34

R&D Activities ● Systems Analysis GroupRITE Today 2024

Reference
1） RITE: Transition to Carbon Neutrality, 2023 Edition
https://www.rite.or.jp/system/en/latestanalysis/2024/03/transition_roadmap_to_carbon_neutrality_2023_edition.html
2） IPCC: Climate Change 2022 Mitigation of Climate
Change. Cambridge (2022)
3） NGFS: NGFS Scenarios for central banks and supervisors (2022)
4） ICMA: Overview and Recommendations for Sustainable Finance Taxonomies (2021)
5） IEA: Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the
1.5 °C Goal in Reach (2023)

6） METI: the Japan Public and Private Working Group on
Financed Emissions to Promote Transition Finance(2021, 2022)

35

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Members (As of Apr. 2024)
Masayuki Inui, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Haruhiko Teramoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Kazumi Hiraga, Associate Chief Researcher
Hajime Terasaki, Associate Chief Researcher
Masato Miyamoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Nobutake Fugono, Associate Chief Researcher
Yuya Tanaka, Senior Researcher
Masako Suda, Senior Researcher
Yukihiro Kitade, Senior Researcher
Satoshi Hasegawa, Senior Researcher
Akira Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Takahisa Kogure, Senior Researcher
Takeshi Kubota, Senior Researcher
Kiyoshi Oi, Senior Researcher
Akiyoshi Higo, Researcher
Natalia Maria Theresia, Researcher
Norimasa Kashiwagi, Researcher
Ryoma Hashimoto, Researcher
Naoki Saruya, Researcher
Yuki Nozaki, Researcher
Dyah Candra Hapsari Subagyo, Researcher

Takafumi Shimizu, Researcher
Dita Grinanda, Researcher
Miyuki Shintaku, Researcher
Takayuki Kuroishikawa, Researcher
Naoyuki Tajima, Researcher
Junko Watanabe, Assistant Researcher
Yuko Ikenaga, Assistant Researcher
Shoko Minakuchi, Assistant Researcher
Miyuki Nagamori, Assistant Researcher
Kae Naito, Assistant Researcher
Noriko Ikeda, Assistant Researcher
Kazuyo Yoneda, Assistant Researcher
Mayu Koizumi, Assistant Researcher
Junko Nishi, Assistant Researcher
Motomi Iwashima, Assistant Researcher
Kayo Yoshida, Assistant Researcher
Aya Okada, Assistant Researcher
Maki Faulkner, Assistant Researcher
Satomi Kayamura, Assistant Researcher
Ryoko Hatsugai, Assistant Researcher

Development of Bio-manufacturing Technologies that Contribute to
Carbon Neutrality
1. Introduction

synthetic biology and genome editing technology) withSince bioprocesses can be manufactured under

digital technology (e.g., the internet of things artificial

ambient temperature and pressure, they are expected

intelligence) and the growing awareness of global

to reduce CO2 emissions, unlike chemical processes,

environmental issues, such as the need to disengage

which are manufactured under high temperature andfrom fossil resources for resource autonomy, thepressure. This also has an advantage over chemical

practical application of this technology is expected toprocesses in producing complex compounds with highaccelerate and the market size to expand rapidly in the

carbon counts because they are generally synthesized

future. Major investments are being made in this fieldbyin the U.S. and China, and international competition ismultistep

biomanufacturing

reactionsisinattracting

the

cell.

attention

Thus,
as

an

intensifying. In Japan, the Green Innovation (GI) Fundinnovation that enables both economic growth andProject

andthe

Biomanufacturingsolutions to global-scale social issues such as resource

Promotion Project were launched this fiscal year as

autonomy and a breakaway from dependence on fossil

large-scale projects to develop and socially implement

resources. With the development of “bio x digitaltechnologies for the design and development of newtechnology” through the fusion of biotechnology (e.g.

microorganisms

and

the

Revolution

advancementof36

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

manufacturing processes using microorganisms. These

Manufacturing Demonstration" project as a joint

projects aim to be carbon neutral and carbon negative

development with private companies using the sameby switching from petroleum as a raw material totechnology

andatmospheric CO2 and unused resources.

development

to

are

conducting

commercialize

researchandbioproductionofAgainst this background, the Research Institute ofcarotenoids and flavors (see Chapter 3, Section 4 andInnovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) has been

Chapter 3, Section 5). In this fiscal year, the company

developing biorefinery technology to produce biofuels

began participating in the GI Fund Project and the Bio-and green chemicals from non-food biomass at highmanufacturing

efficiency

developthroughmicrobial

bioprocesses.

RITE

Revolution

bioproduction

Promotion

Projecttechnology

for

to

high-

discovered that coryneform bacteria, a typical industrial

performance adhesive raw materials from CO2 and bio-

microorganism, maintain metabolic functions underupcycling technology to produce useful chemicals fromreducing conditions despite growth inhibition and that

unused resources (see Chapter 3, Section 1 and Chapter

they efficiently metabolize sugars and produce organic

3, Section 2). In addition, RITE is participating in theacids. Consequently, RITE developed the growth-

NEDO "Moonshot" project to research and develop

independent bioprocess "RITE Bioprocess" . In addition,

ocean degradable multilock biopolymers made fromwe established elemental technologies essential for

non-food biomass (see Chapter 3, Section 6).

*1

industrialization, such as "complete simultaneous use of

In

this

overview,

we

first

explainourcore

mixed sugars derived from non-food biomass" andtechnologies such as "RITE Bioprocess"*1 and "Smart"high tolerance to fermentation inhibitors" (see Chapter

Cell Creation Technology." Next, we discuss a national

2, Section 1). Using these technologies, we reported the

project based on bio x digital technology innovation,world's highest efficiency production of ethanol,

which has been making remarkable progress in recent

butanol, green jet fuel, and biohydrogen as biofuels,

years as a basic technology development, and finally,and lactic acid, succinic acid, alanine, valine, tryptophan,

we introduce our efforts for commercialization.

shikimic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid,and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as green chemicals.

2. The Core Technologies of RITE

Currently, RITE is focusing on developing production

2.1. “RITE Bioprocess”*1

technologies for aromatic compounds that can be used

“RITE Bioprocess”*1, developed by RITE, is a

as raw materials for high-value–added fragrances,proprietary technology that enables highly efficient

cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fibers, and polymers, as

production of biofuels and green chemicals, such aswell as bio-manufacturing technologies that directly

amino acids and aromatic compounds (Fig. 1). The threeuse CO2 as a raw material.

features of “RITE Bioprocess”*1 are described below (forSo far, we have participated in the New Energy andIndustrial

Technology

Development

details, see RITE Today 2022).

Organization(NEDO) "Smartcell" project and the "Data-driven
Integrated Bioproduction Management System" projectand have been developing "Smart Cell Creation
Technology," a bio x digital technology (see Chapter 2,
Section 2). We are also participating in the NEDO "Bio-Fig. 1 Biorefinery concept using the “RITE Bioprocess”*1

37

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

Feature 1: Growth-arrested bioprocess
Anaerobic conditions and removing factors essential
for proliferation allow the desired series of reactions tooccur while cell division is arrested (Fig. 2). In otherwords, nutrients and energy previously used for
multiplication are now used to produce the target
substance. This has enabled microbial cells to be usedextremely efficiently similar to a chemical catalyst,
realizing a bioprocess with high productivity equal to or
greater than that of ordinary chemical processes.
Fig. 3 Feature 2 of the “RITE Bioprocess”*1(Simultaneous usage of mixed sugars)

Feature 3: High tolerance to fermentation inhibitors“RITE

Bioprocess”*1

hasdemonstrated

highresistance to fermentation inhibitors because themicroorganisms do not grow as described above (Fig.
4).

Therefore,

this

can

be

appliedtousingsaccharification liquids containing various fermentation
inhibitors
Fig. 2 Feature 1 of the “RITE Bioprocess”*1

and

even

to

producingfermentation

inhibitors.

(Growth-arrested bioprocess)Feature 2: Complete simultaneous use of C5 and C6
mixed sugars
Most inedible biomass (cellulosic biomass) comprisea mixture of C5 sugars such as xylose and arabinose andC6 sugars such as glucose.
RITE has succeeded in increasing the utilization rateof C5 sugars to that of C6 sugars by introducing a C5
sugar transporter gene in addition to the C5 sugar

Fig. 4 Feature 3 of the “RITE Bioprocess”*1

metabolism gene (Fig. 3). This enables the full(High tolerance to fermentation inhibitors)

simultaneous use of C5 and C6 sugars and efficient use
of cellulosic (non-food biomass) feedstock.

2.2. Smart Cell Creation Technologies
With the fusion of cutting-edge biotechnology anddigital technology, the potential of biological cells canbe maximized to create “smart cells” that are optimized
for biomanufacturing. This type of technology is called38

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

Smart Cell Creation Technology and has made thecompound

from

the

reaction

systemdevelopment of smart cells dramatically more efficient.

constructing

a continuous

RITE is involved in developing these technologies bycombines resin adsorption and membrane separation,

participating in the NEDO Smart Cell Project (2016–

Fig. 6). By applying this system to catechol production,2020). During the project, we demonstrated thea dramatically high production of catechol was

effectiveness of the Smart Cell Creation Technology byachieved.

reaction(e.g.,

bysystemthatefficiently creating high-producing strains for the target
chemical. By incorporating these technologies, RITE has
succeeded

in upgradingtheproduction

strain–breeding technology and fermentation-production
technology (Fig. 5). Additionally, the Smart Cell Creation
Technologies have been overtaken by the NEDO Biomanufacturing project, and improvements are being
made for the practical application of microbial

Fig. 6 A continuous reaction system using

production.

membrane separation and resin adsorption

2.4. Substances Produced by the “RITE Bioprocess”*1
Several materials currently in high production by
RITE are shown in Figure 7. As mentioned above, thecompany has achieved world-class productivity in many
substances. In biofuels, the company is expanding into
production of butanol and high-performance biojet fuelFig. 5 Smart Cell Creation Technologies

materials

inaddition

to

that

of

ethanol

andbiohydrogen. Furthermore, in green chemicals, RITE is
2.3. Continuous Reaction System
RITE has developed biotechnological processes for
producing various compounds. In this development

developing

a

wide

range

of

high-performancechemicals such as aromatic compounds in addition to
L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, and amino acids.

activity, we have faced the problem that several target
compounds have extremely strong cytotoxic effects,
and production is halted because of the toxicity of thecompounds that have accumulated during production.
For example, catechol production, which is being
developed in the NEDO Smart Cell Project and the
NEDO Bio-manufacturing Project, plateaued after
reaching a specific concentration in the conventional
batch method. To avoid cytotoxicity and achieve highproduction, we constructed a continuous reaction

Fig. 7 Substances produced using the “RITE Bioprocess”*1

system that selectively removes and recovers the target

39

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

3. Fundamental Technology Development (National

purification, and recovery, and accelerate the creation

Projects)of bioderived products by demonstrating industrial

3.1. NEDO GI Fund Projectproduction systems. Specifically, teams in this project*2

The GI fund project entitled “Promotion of carbon

are conducting research and development in threerecycling using CO2 as a direct raw material throughareas: “Development of basic technology to promotebiomanufacturing technology” aims to contribute to

the utilization of bioresources,” “Development of basic

realizingnew

technology for biofoundry production processes,” andbiomanufacturing products using CO2 as a raw material“Demonstration of industrial material production

and implementing them in society to transform thesystems.”

carbonneutrality

bydeveloping

industrial structure by using CO2 as a resource and toachieve “carbon neutrality by 2050.”

RITE has been involved in this project since the firstyear and is currently developing a new group of

In this context, RITE, in collaboration with Sekisui

technologies(Industrial

Smart

Cell

Creation

Chemical Co., Ltd, has started a project entitledTechnology) to solve the problems associated with the“Commercialization of high-value–added chemicals

practical application of biomanufacturing technology

using CO2 as raw material through bioproduction(Fig. 8). In FY2023, RITE mainly worked with partner

technology” from FY2023 and is currently ongoing

research institutions to develop technology that(project period: eight years from FY2023 to FY2030).

eliminates productivity declines caused by uneven(For details, see Special Feature)

culture3.2. Research and Development of Technologies toPromote Biomanufacturing*2
This project aims to solve both social issues such asenvironmental problems and economic growth byusing unused resources such as discarded domestic
biomass as raw materials and converting them into
useful substances using biotechnology. (For details, see
Special Feature).

environments

contributed

to

in

large

constructing

fermentation-production

fermenters.
andsimulation

RITE

validating

a

model

by

acquiring and providing detailed gene expression data
and metabolite data in an environment that reproduces
culture stress. By creating technologies to solve
problems that may occur during large-scale production,
we aim to eliminate rework in developing production
strains and accelerate the social implementation of biobased products.

3.3. NEDO Bio-manufacturing Project*2
The NEDO project “Development of bio-based
product production technology to accelerate therealization of carbon recycling,” also known as the Biomanufacturing

project,

conducts

researchanddevelopment that combines biotechnology and digitaltechnology to produce materials from biomass that
does not depend on fossil resources (from 2020). The
Smartcell Project is the predecessor of this project. This
project aims to expand new bioresources, develop

Fig. 8 Bio-manufacturing project: Development

bioproductionof Industrial Smart Cell Creation Technology

processes

includingseparation,40

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

3.4. NEDO Bio-manufacturing Demonstration Project3.5. NEDO Bio-manufacturing Demonstration Project(Carotenoid)*2(Rose Aroma Ingredient）*2

Carotenoids are natural pigments produced bySince 2022, RITE has participated in the NEDO “Bio-plants and some bacteria. They are popular as

manufacturing” project with Takasago International

functional ingredients for lifestyle disease prevention

Corporation. We are driving the development of anand antiaging because of their high antioxidant activity,"industrial smart cell" that can produce a rose aroma

and their market size is growing. However, theingredient and a bioproduction system that can avoid

carotenoid content in natural sources is low, and mostmicrobial “product inhibition” derived from theof marketed carotenoids are produced by chemicalfragrance materials (Fig. 10).

synthesis from petroleum. Moreover, most carotenoids

In FY2023, RITE succeeded in increasing theare characterized by low-absorption because of theirproductivity by metabolic engineering and optimizing

chemical structure, and their bioavailability is also low.

production conditions, by using the production system

Several chemical processes that converting carotenoid

described

structures from low- to high-adsorption types have

improvement of the smart cells, testing of scale-up, and

been

are

modification of the equipment. We aim to achieve

unsatisfactory. Recently, as new sources of carotenoids,

Japan’s first social implementation of production of asmart cells producing high amounts of carotenoids

fragrance ingredient by precision fermentation.

devised,

but

their

conversion

rates

above.

We

will

continue

with

the

have been reported, but their carotenoids are also lowabsorption types.
Since 2022, RITE has participated in the NEDO “Biomanufacturing” project with Harima Chemicals, Inc. forsocial implementation of a bio-based mass production
system for highly bioavailable carotenoids (Fig. 9). We

Fig. 10 Production of a rose aroma ingredient

have developed a smart cell that specifically produces
high-adsorption types of carotenoids. We are currently

3.6. NEDO Moonshot-type Research and Development

improving the smart cell and developing other

Project*2

processes such as fermentation, carotenoid-extraction,and purification.

The project entitled ”Development of Multilock
Biopolymers Degradable in Ocean from Nonfood
Biomasses” is performing research and development tointroducea"multilock

mechanism"forplastic

degradation (Fig. 11). Multiple stimuli such as light, heat,
oxygen, water, enzymes, microorganisms, and catalysts
can be used as triggers to start degradation of plastics,
but avoid their degradation and maintain their
durability and toughness while the plastics are in use.
Fig. 9 Outline of our project for bio-based production of

However, when accidentally dispersed into the marine

highly bioavailable carotenoids

environment, the multilock mechanism is unlocked toenable fast on-demand degradation.

41

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

Products targeted for practical application in thisproject include tires and textiles, which generatesecondary fine debris when used, as well as plastic
bottles, fishing nets and fishing tackle that contribute toghost fishing, all of which negatively impact theenvironment due to runoff into the ocean.
In FY2023, we focused on developing a technologythat enables the artificial control of the initiation timingofthedegradationofmultilocked

plastics

Fig. 11 Marine-degradable multilock biopolymers(Developments of new technologies using degradativefrom nonfood biomass and their circulation

enzymes). First, the thermostability of the enzyme wasdramatically improved by electrostatic binding of thethermostable-plastic–degrading

enzymeto

3.7. Japan Science and Technology Agency COI-NEXTabiodegradable carrier.

RITE has participated in the program on open
innovation platform (COI-NEXT) commissioned by the

Next, we produced a film where the enzyme wasJapan Science and Technology Agency. In the platform

mixed into plastic by thermal melting, exposed this to“Carbon Cultivation Hub Challenging the Limits ofseawater, and succeeded in proving that rapid

Carbon Negativity” started in 2023, we are working on

enzymatic degradation at the laboratory level (on-developing biohydrogen production and liquid biofuel

demand degradation) occurred.

production technologies for establishing carbon-

We

will

aim

to

achieve

fasteron-demand

cultivation–based fuel-production technology. In thisdegradation by improving the functionality of the

project,

weplastic–degrading enzyme and optimizing the mixing

technologies to efficiently produce fuels (hydrogen/conditions with the plastic. In addition to degradation

liquid fuel) from various biomass feedstocks intests in marine fields (e.g. Ainan Town, Ehime

collaboration

Prefecture), an international joint research with the U.S.

working

Department of Energy's ARPA-E will be launched.

technologies, enabling an increase in CO2 fixation by(The HP of the project can be found at:

photosynthesis (Fig. 12). Hydrogen is expected to be

http://www.moonshot.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html).

the ultimate clean energy and is key in realizing carbon

on

will

with

developthe

biologicalparticipant

developing

conversion

organizations

biomass

cultivation

neutrality/negativity. In this context, a medium- tolong-term theme is to develop CO2-free hydrogenproduction processes. A short- to medium-term theme
is to develop liquid fuel-production processes that use
the same fundamental technologies as the other longterm theme. One of the key challenges for the social
implementation of biomass fuel-production technology
isreducing

production

costs.

In

addition,

thecomponents of biomass feedstock are diverse, and theircomposition considerably varies depending on the type42

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Groupof feedstock, making it difficult to meet a wide range ofdemands with uniform technology. To solve these

RITE Today 2024

Bakelite Co., Ltd.) (Click here for GCC)In February 2010, RITE established the "Green

issues, this project will promote the development of

Phenoltechnologies in different fields, including various

Production Technology Research Association" (GPthermochemical

conversion

Association) with and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. totechnologies in an integrated manner for enabling thedevelop fundamental technologies related to phenol

construction and expansion of a flexible biomass fuelproduction and phenolic resin production through the

supply system tailored to regional and feedstock needs.

application of bioprocesses that use cellulosic raw

andbiological

RITE has developed a biohydrogen production

andHigh-Performance

PhenolicResinmaterials (non-food biomass).

process with high production rate. Building on thisIn May 2014, the GP Association was reorganized asachievement, we are developing a microbial catalyst for"Green Phenol Development Co., Ltd." (GPD). This was

improving the hydrogen yield from biomass-derived

the first example of demutualization of a technology

sugars to a large extent. We constructed a geneticallyresearch association.

engineered microorganism with a novel hydrogenproduction

pathwayenhancedbymetabolic

In April 2018, given that GPD technology can
produce useful compounds in parallel with phenol

engineering. In addition, RITE has established a

production,

bioprocess that efficiently converts mixed C6 and C5Development Corporation was changed to Greensugars to ethanol. Using this technology, we will

Chemicals Co., Ltd., (GCC).

develop an alcohol to jet process to produce asustainableaviationvariousnamephenol-producing

of

Green

Phenoltechnology

andknowledge of Green Chemicals Co., Ltd can be applied

feedstocks, such as energy crops, rice with high CO 2

to producing other aromatic compounds (Fig. 13), we

fixationare developing a bioprocess for other high-value–

and

using

the

trade

biomass

capability,

fuel

Since

the

microalgae

with

high

carbohydrate productivity.

added chemicals and commercializing products thatmeet customer needs.
In FY2023, approval for industrial use of the two
production strains of GCC’s products (4-HBA, PCA) was
obtained by the Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry.

Fig. 12 Development of biohydrogen/bioethanol
production technologies

4. Future Industrialization of Our Technologies
4.1. Green Chemicals Co., Ltd. (GCC)(Head Office・Laboratory: in Kyoto headquarters, RITE;
Shizuoka Laboratory: in Shizuoka plant, Sumitomo

43

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupInternational

RITE Today 2024

Corporation,

in

the

NEDO

Bio-

manufacturing Demonstration Project, we are also
conducting joint research with many other companies.
These include research and development to convert acompany’s product (fossil resource-derived material) tobioderived materials at an early stage, as well as
research and development to convert company's main
products or main raw materials (fossil resource-derived
materials) to bioderived materials in the medium tolong term.

5. Closing remarks

Fig. 13 Major product lineup of

In recent years, technological innovations and new

Green Chemicals Co., Ltd.

knowledge and methods in the aforementioned "bio x
4.2. Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd.

digital technology" have dramatically improved the(Head office: 6F Q Plaza Shinjuku 3-chome, 3-5-6

efficiency of smart cell development, especially in the

Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Laboratory: 2-5-9 Kazusa-

national

kamatari, Kisarazu-shi Chiba)

production(Click here for the Green Earth Institute Inc. web site)

underway for social implementation of the smart cells

projects

described

demonstrationin

Chapterefforts

are

3.

And

vigorously

In September 2011, RITE established the Green Earthcreated by these results. These are expected to create aInstitute Inc. to commercialize "RITE Bioprocess" . In

new industry (smart cell industry) and have a significant

December 2021, due to successful business results, theripple effect on the industrial sector (manufacturing) incompany was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

addition to the energy sector (Fig. 14).

*1

(Mothers), and in April 2022, moved to the Tokyo
Growth Market due to market reorganization.

RITE will continue to promote the development ofbio-manufacturing technologies that contribute toCurrently, the company is promoting research andcarbon neutrality by utilizing the "Smart Cell Creation

development with domestic and overseas partner

Technology" and "RITE Bioprocess"*1 to focus oncompanies, including "Biofoundry Base" (based on the

research and development using unused resources andgovernment's "Biostrategy 2020), NEDO’s "Green

CO2 in the atmosphere as raw materials, as well as theInnovation

development of practical production technologies for

Fund

Project,"

and

NEDO's"Bio-manufacturing Revolution Promotion Project."green chemicals.
Since the declaration of "carbon neutrality by 2050"

4.3. Joint Research with Companies

in October 2020, inquiries from companies have been

In addition to the main substances produced (seeincreasing, and the number of joint research projects

Chapter 2, Section 4) introduced in this overview, we arewith companies has also been increasing. RITE is still

conducting joint research on many other substances inlooking for companies to collaborate with. Compounds

response to requests from companies.

that have generally been considered difficult to produce

In addition to Harima Chemicals, Inc. and Takasago

by microorganisms may be produced at high levels by

44

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2024

using the latest elemental technology development
results. If you have a compound you would like tobiologize, we would like to hear from you.

Fig. 14 Fusion of industrial / energy fields impacted
by new bio and digital technologies*1“RITE Bioprocess” is a registered trademark of RITE.

*2

This article is based on results obtained from a projectcommissioned or subsidized by the New Energy andIndustrial

Technology

Development

Organization(NEDO).

45

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

Chemical Research Group
Members (as of April 2024)
Katsunori Yogo
Masahiko Mizuno
Hidetoshi Kita
Naoki Kikuchi
Masahiro Yamada
Narutoshi Hayashi
Firoz Alam Chowdhury
Teruhiko Kai
Tomohiro Kinoshita
Junichiro Kugai
Kazuya Goto
Masahiro Seshimo
Toshinori Muraoka
Makoto Ryoji
Fuminori Ito
Yusuke Ohata
Takayasu Kiyokawa
Shuhong Duan
Vu Thi Quyen
Lie Meng
Soji Yamaguchi
Yoshiyuki Kubota
Aoi Torigoe

Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Associate Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Associate Chief Researcher
Associate Chief Researcher
Associate Chief Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher

Hiroaki Maeda
Hanako Araki
Hiromi Urai
Noriko Onishi
Hidenori Ogata
Kumiko Ogura
Mai Kashima
Kozue Kataoka
Keiko Komono
Rie Sugimoto
Takashi Teshima
Yuko Nara
Yozo Narutaki
Akiyoshi Fujii
Yoichi Fujiwara
Yuko Miyaji
Keiko Mori
Misato Mori
Atsushi Yasuno
Takahiro Yoshii
Naomi Yoshino
Junko Yonezawa

Researcher
Research AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch Assistant

Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2
Capture and Utilization Technologies
1. Introduction

rise in global average temperature before the Industrial

The Chemical Research Group, including the R&D

Revolution was kept well below 2°C. Pursuing efforts todivision and industry collaboration division, has carried

keep the temperature down to 1.5°C was the goal. Afterout activities to achieve the technical breakthroughs

that, in response to the heightened sense of crisis, suchneeded to realize solutions for early-stage practical ap-

as further temperature rises and the enormous natural

plication and industrialization of various technologies

disasters occurring on a global scale, the Glasgow Cli-

related to CO2 capture and utilization (CCU). The current

mate Agreement at COP 26 in November 2021 demon-

research topics of the Chemical Research Group are de-strated the determination to pursue efforts to limit the

scribed as follows.

temperature rise to 1.5°C with the world's first numerical target of 1.5°C. According to the IPCC, the 1.5°C tar-

2. Technologies for CO2 capture and utilization
The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP 21 in De-

get requires a 45% reduction in CO2 by 2030 compared
to 2010 and net zero by 2050.

cember 2015, and in order to minimize the adverse ef-

In May 2022, the Clean Energy Strategy was formu-

fects of climate change, such as abnormal weather, thelated by the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry

46

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

(METI), and under the strategy, a practical roadmap forscale sources. In parallel, promotion of the standardiza-carbon capture and storage (CCS) was developed. Thetion of CO2 capture technologies is also important. It islong-term plan set a goal of storing approximately 120

necessary to establish a common evaluation standard

to 240 million tons of CO2 by 2050, and seven CCS pro-for the various CO2 capture materials, while keeping

jects within Japan have been selected to accomplish thepace with the international trends in this field. CCU (uti-storage of CO2 goal. Carbon dioxide capture, utilization,

lization) implementation into society as soon as possi-

and storage (CCUS) and carbon recycling is an im-

ble is also highly needed. It is important to develop in-

portant innovative technology that enables carbon neu-

novative CO2 utilization and carbon recycle technolo-

trality. In CCUS/carbon recycling, the combination ofgies to effectively convert CO2 into chemicals and fuels.

captured CO2 is recycled as a carbon resource for fuels

The Chemical Research Group is dedicated to devel-

and materials (CCU), and the captured CO2 storage un-oping innovative CO2 capture and utilization technolo-

der the ground (CCS) is expected to have a significant

gies and to providing world-leading R&D and innova-

CO2 reduction effect. Furthermore, it has been showntion results with a special focus on chemical absorption,that CO2 separation and capture technologies are theadsorption, and the membrane separation process. Ourbasis for CCUS, and the targets for the technologies areresearch topic covers the development of new materials

to reduce the cost of CO2 separation and capture toand their innovative manufacturing processes and high-

1,000 yen/t-CO2 by 2050 and to establish CO2 separa-efficiency carbon capture systems and membrane reac-tion and capture technologies for various CO2 emission

tors. As for chemical absorption, the solvent developed

sources. Negative emission technology, which contrib-in COURSE50 (Development of Environmental Technol-

utes to the reduction in the concentration of CO2 in theogy for Steelmaking Process as commissioned by theatmosphere, is required to achieve carbon neutrality. In

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development

particular, direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 from the at-Organization [NEDO]) has been put into practical use inmosphere has been attracting attention recently. In the

a commercial CO2 capture plant owned by a private Jap-

Carbon Recycling Technology Roadmap (Ministry ofanese company.

Economy, Trade and Industry) revised in July 2021, DAC

For adsorption, pilot-scale tests of solid sorbents with

was added as a new technology field in progress. Car-

good CO2 desorption performance at low temperatures

bon management, which involves the utilization, reduc-and adsorption systems are being conducted in collab-

tion, and storage of CO2 in Carbon Dioxide Removal

oration with private companies in a project commis-(CDR) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage

sioned by NEDO using flue gas from coal-fired power(CCUS) initiatives, is gaining momentum.

plants. The solid sorbents technology is also applied toAgainst this background, it is necessary to promote

the low CO2 concentration carbon capture from the gas

the practical application of CCUS by proposing optimal

at natural gas-fired power plants that featured not only

separation and capture technologies for the various CO2

low temperature regeneration but also high residence

emission sources and CO2 utilization technologies. In

to oxidation degradation. Furthermore, Direct Air Cap-particular, in order to introduce and put into practical

ture (DAC), which captures CO2 from the atmosphere, is

use CCS, which is expected to reduce CO2 on a large

proceeding as the NEDO Moonshot Research and De-

scale as a measure to address global warming, it is im-velopment Project.

portant to reduce the cost of CO2 capture from large-

The membrane-separation-based carbon capture47

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Grouptechnology is developed for potential high-pressure

RITE Today, 2024

3. Chemical absorption method for CO2 capture

CO2/H2 separation in the Integrated Coal Gasification

In the absorption method, CO2 is separated by using

Combined Cycle (IGCC) and hydrogen production

the selective dissolution of CO2 from a mixed gas into aplants. Starting from 2024, sponsored by NEDO, a com-solvent. In particular, the chemical absorption method

pact medium-pressure hydrogen production system

based on the chemical reaction between amine and CO2(CO2 captured hydrogen production system) will be de-in a solvent can be applied to gases with a relatively low

veloped and will be demonstrated in field tests.

CO2 concentration, such as combustion exhaust gas,

Efforts have also been devoted to the standardization
for CO2 capture.

and the method is one of the most mature CO2 capture
technologies developed. In the COCS project (METI's

Awarded by the NEDO project to establish a common

Subsidy Project) and the COURSE50 project (NEDO con-base for evaluating CO2 separation materials, Japan's

signment project), RITE has been working to develop a

first Real-Gas Test Center will be built at RITE (construc-high-performance amine solvent that reduces the costtion to be completed in 2024), and the standard meth-of CO2 capture.

ods with the use of real gas will be established. As the

The chemical absorbent and process created by the

only organization in Japan that is a member of the In-

COURSE50 project were adopted by the energy-saving

ternational Test Center Network (abbreviated ITCN, a

CO2 capture facility ESCAP® of Nippon Steel Engineer-

global association of facilities around the world that

ing Co., Ltd. (Fig. 1)

promote research and development of CO2 capture
technology), RITE regularly exchanges information withoverseas ITCN members. Through ITCN, our efforts towards standardization of CO2 capture will be disseminated throughout the world.
As for effective CO2 utilization technology, we havebeen developing carbonate fixation utilization amine
technology and methanol synthesis utilization dehydration membrane technology. In carbonate fixation, calcium and magnesium from industrial waste are fixed byreacting with CO2 from the flue gas. By using amines,

Fig. 1. Equipment of energy-saving CO2 absorption process

liquid calcium and magnesium are extracted and after

ESCAP® at Niihama Nishi power station, Sumitomo

reacting with CO2, high-purity calcium or magnesium

Joint Electric Power Co., Ltd.

carbonate are produced. In methanol synthesis, CO2(This is the second commercial plant and produces

emitted from power plants, steel mills, cement plants,

CO2 for chemical production.)and chemical facilities reacts with hydrogen in a membrane reactor to synthesize methanol at high efficiency.

Although the chemical absorption method for CO2

We were awarded a NEDO project for optimal system

capture is mature, in order to accelerate CCUS, we stilldevelopment for methanol synthesis from CO2 jointly

have to overcome technological issues of cost reduc-with a private company in FY 2021.

tion and practical implementation. In particular, R&D to
decrease energy consumption in a solvent regeneration48

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

process and enhancement of amine durability for a stable long-term operation are required.
In COURSE50, we also demonstrated the new technological concept with the possibility of further reducing
energy consumption by using the absorption solventwith an organic compound instead of water (Fig. 2). We
call the new technology mixed solvent, which can control the reaction mechanism of CO2 absorption and theeffect of polarization.
Since 2022, we have been working to develop novel

Fig. 3. Liquid absorbent and solid sorbent

compounds and optimal formulations of the mixed solvents for practical use under the NEDO Green Innova-

1) For coal-fired power plantstion Fund Project for the development of hydrogen re-

In 2010, RITE started the work to develop solid

duction technology using blast furnaces. In Januarysorbent materials for CO2 capture from the combustion

2024, bench-scale plant tests started at the Kimitsu

exhaust gas of coal-fired power plants (METI consign-

Steelworks of Nippon Steel Corporation. The new high-ment project). In the fundamental research phase (FY

performance mixed solvents developed by RITE are

2010–2014), we created a new amine suitable for solid

evaluated using actual blast furnace gas.

sorbents, and in a laboratory scale test with the newamine, we obtained the prospect of capture energy of
1.5 GJ/t-CO2 or less. This solid sorbent system is an innovative material that enables not only low energy capture but also a low temperature process at 60°C. Compared to other technologies that use amine-based solidFig. 2. Concept of mixed solvent

absorbents, this technology is at the top level globallyin terms of low-temperature regeneration.

4. Solid sorbent method for CO2 capture

In

the

practical

application

research

phase

Unlike a chemical absorbent where amines are dis-

(METI/NEDO consignment project) from FY 2015 tosolved in a solvent, such as water, a solid sorbent is one

2019 with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., (KHI) as awhere the amines are supported on a porous material,

partner, we conducted scale-up synthesis of solid ab-such as silica or activated carbon. In the process of us-

sorbent (>10 m3), bench scale tests (>5 t-CO2/day), anding a solid sorbent, reduction of CO2 capture energy canreal-gas exposure tests at a coal-fired power plant.

be expected because the heat of vaporization and sensible heat caused by the solvent can be suppressed.

In 2020, RITE was chosen for the NEDO commissioned project with KHI. In this project, with the cooperation of Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., KHI completed
trial operation of the pilot scale test facility (40 tCO2/day scale) constructed at the Maizuru power plant.
In the second half of 2023, CO2 capture tests havestarted using the solid sorbent supplied by RITE against49

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

flue gas from the combustion exhaust gas emitted from

calculation results are also used in material develop-

the coal-fired power plant. (Fig. 4

ment.
2) For natural gas-fired power plants
In 2022, the Technology Development Project of CO2
Separation and Capture in the Green Innovation Fundproject started jointly with Chiyoda Corporation (organizer company) and JERA in order to commercialize lowcost CO2 separation and capture processes from natural
gas combustion exhaust gas.
The CO2 concentration contained in natural gas combustion exhaust gas is around 4%, which is lower thanFig. 4. Development roadmap of solid sorbent method forCO2 capture

the CO2 concentration in coal combustion exhaust gas(13%), and the oxygen concentration is as high as about
10%. Therefore, solid sorbent materials with high CO2

We are now working on elucidating the material de-absorption performance even at low CO2 concentra-

terioration mechanism to develop deterioration pre-tions and high durability against oxidation are required.

vention technology, studying reuse technology for used

RITE is in charge of the development of amines basedsolid sorbent, and studying efficient operating condi-

on the knowledge and technology accumulated during

tions using process simulation technology.

the R&D histories in this field, in addition to the devel-

For process simulation technology, we are developing a simulator that can predict the amount of CO2 cap-

opment of solid sorbent materials composed of developed amines and optimal support.

tured and the energy used for separation and capture

The stage gate for this project is set for FY 2024, andwith high accuracy in KHI’s moving bed system. (Fig. 5)

we have succeeded in developing a solid sorbent thatwill achieve the target this year. The developed solid
sorbent is characterized not only by the fact that it canbe regenerated at low temperatures but also by its excellent resistance to oxidative degradation (Fig. 6).
Therefore, the sorbent can be applied to natural gasfired power plant exhaust gases with relatively high ox-

Fig. 5. RITE's simulation technology

ygen concentrations.

In the pilot test, we plan to optimize the operating
conditions using this simulation technology.
In addition, the simulation is useful for understanding
the adsorption and desorption behavior inside the facility, which is difficult to observe in practice, and the50

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

molecular gate membranes) exhibited excellent CO2/H2
separation performance. Fig. 8 presents a schematicthat summarizes the working principles of a moleculargate membrane.

Fig. 6. Comparison of commercial and developed aminesby oxidative degradation test.
Both y-axials show the same values.

5. Membrane separation
CO2 separation by membranes involves the selective
permeation of CO2 from the pressure difference between the feed side and the permeate side of the membrane. So, CO2 capture at low cost and low energy is
expected by applying the membrane processes to precombustion (Fig. 7). For this reason, we are currently de-

Fig. 8. Schematic illustration of the working principles ofthe molecular gate membraneveloping novel CO2 selective membrane modules that
effectively separate CO2 for precombustion.

Under humidified conditions, CO2 reacts with theamino groups in the membrane to form either carbamate or bicarbonate, which then blocks the passage of
H2. Consequently, the amount of H2 diffusing to theother side of the membrane is greatly reduced, and highconcentrations of CO2 can be obtained. A poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer matrix is used for pressure durability and to immobilize the dendrimers.
We developed new types of molecular gate membranes that provide superior separation of the CO2/H2
gas mixtures. Based on this work, the Molecular Gate
Membrane module Technology Research Association(MGMTRA consists of the Research Institute of Innova-

Fig. 7. Schematic of the IGCC and hydrogen production

tive Technology for the Earth [RITE] and Sumitomo

plant with CO2 capture by CO2 selective membrane

Chemical Co., Ltd.) is conducting research in new mem-

modulesbranes, membrane elements, and membrane separation systems.

We found that novel polymeric membranes com-

In the NEDO project, CO2 Separation Membrane Sys-

posed of dendrimer/polymer hybrid materials (termed

tem Practical Research and Development/Developmentof CO2-H2 Membrane Separation Systems using High-51

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

Performance CO2 Separation Membrane Modules, we

we succeeded in developing commercial-size mem-

conducted practical research and development to im-brane elements ( = 20 cm, L = 60 cm) (Fig. 10). As ofprove the separation performance and durability of the

FY 2024, we set the new application (small-scale, me-membrane elements, scale up the membrane modules,

dium pressure hydrogen production system [hydrogenand design membrane systems suitable for the CO2 uti-

production equipment with CO2 capture]), and we will

lization process based on previous results.

develop membrane module systems and conduct field

As for the development of membrane materials, wetests.

modified the membrane materials for a new application(small-scale, medium pressure hydrogen production
equipment). As a result, separation performance underthe medium pressure was improved as shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 10. CO2 selective membrane, membrane element, andmembrane module.
Membrane element: The structure with a large
membrane area composed of the membrane, supFig. 9. CO2/N2 Separation performances of MGM mem-

port, and spacer.

branes.

Membrane module: The structure in which the

Operating conditions of molecular gate mem-

membrane element is placed.

branes: temperature 85C, total pressure 0.85 MPa,
feed gas composition CO2/N2=20/80.
*Reference: Kamio et al., J Chem Eng Jpn 56 (2023)
2222000.

6. CO2 capture technology from the atmosphere
NEDO's Moonshot R&D Program was launched in FY
2020 as one of the systems to support the action planof the Environment Innovation Strategy, which aims to

By modification of membrane materials, both CO2

establish technologies that enable Beyond Zero by 2050.

permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity increased compared

RITE is working to develop technologies for high-ef-

with our previous modified membranes (in 2022). The

ficiency CO2 capture from the atmosphere and carbon

separation performance required to apply the mem-

circulation in cooperation with Kanazawa University andbranes for use with hydrogen production equipment

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., in the (1) Develop-

was obtained.

ment of technologies to capture, convert, and detoxify

As for the development of the membrane elements,

greenhouse gases of Goal 4 "Realization of sustainable
resource circulation to recover the global environment52

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

by 2050."
The technology for capturing CO2 directly from theatmosphere called Direct Air Capture (DAC) is expected
to be one of the negative emission technologies. Seven
research themes on DAC, including the RITE’s theme,
have been adopted in the Moonshot R&D Project, andsix of them are still ongoing in 2023. Fig. 11 shows our
R&D items and a carbon cycle society as our goal.
Fig. 12. Lab test equipment for DAC

Fig. 11. Development of highly efficient DAC and carbon
recycling technologies

RITE is developing new amines suitable for DAC andstructured solid sorbents that show low-pressure drops
at a high flow rate and low energy consumption in CO2
desorption. The fundamental properties of both aminesand structured sorbents are collected using lab testing
equipment (Fig. 12), CO2 capture performances of real-Fig. 13. Schematic image of DAC system evaluation equip-

sized sorbents are evaluated using DAC system evalua-ment (upper) and DAC experimental laboratory intion equipment (Fig. 13, designed by Mitsubishi Heavy

RITE premise (below)

Industry Co., Ltd., and built on the RITE premises), andimproved sorbent structure and optimized operation

7. Common evaluation standard for CO2 capture mate-conditions are predicted by process simulation. Pilot-

rials

scale testing (0.5 t-CO2/day at the maximum) is sched-In order to move toward decarbonization, fuel anduled for 2025 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Man-

energy sources in both the power and industrial sectors

ufacturing of solid sorbents and the pilot-scale DAC sys-

are shifting to renewable energy sources, but a certain

tem is underway.

amount of fossil-fuel-based thermal power generation
remains to meet electricity demand, and CO2 emissions
are inevitable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low-53

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

energy-consumption and low-cost technologies forCO2 capture from low-pressure and low-concentration
mixed gas, for example, a natural gas combustion gasof 10% or less with relatively low CO2 concentrations.
Since 2022, RITE has been conducting the NEDO
Green Innovation Fund Project for the establishment of
a common evaluation standard for CO2 capture materi-Fig. 14. Schematic of the test units for absorption, adsorption and membrane.

als in collaboration with the National Institute of Ad-(Each unit capacity: –100 kg-CO2/day)vanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Alongwith the vision of the realization of a carbon neutral so-

In recent years, in the development of CO2 capture

ciety, a common base for CO2 capture materials will bematerials for carbon neutrality, test centers for CO2 cap-established, and it will support the enhancement of do-ture technologies have been established throughout

mestic companies’ global share of the expanded CO2

the world, but such a test center has not been organizedcapture market.

in Japan. We exchange opinions on a CO2 capture test

The project is scheduled for the nine years from 2022

center with domestic companies in the project and built

to 2030 (the first stage: 2022–2024) and will carry out

cooperative relationships with overseas organizations,the following R&D objectives: (a) formulation of stand-especially with ITCN (International Test Center Network)

ard evaluation methods using actual gas (installation

members. RITE will provide the first real gas test centerand operation of the test center), (b) establishment ofin Japan, which is used by companies and institutions

standard evaluation methods for development of inno-

involved in the development of CO2 capture materials.

vative capture materials, (c) development of durability

It will contribute to the promotion of domestic CO2 cap-

evaluation methods, and (d) database construction andture materials development so that Japan will continue

the spread of the standard evaluation methods.

to be the world's top operator of CO2 capture technol-

RITE will formulate standard performance evaluationogies.

methods using actual gas and develop a test center inthe first stage up to FY 2024 in order to evaluate CO2

8. Effective methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation

capture materials at the flue gas conditions of power

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the causes of global

plants and boilers. The test center will be constructed at

warming; therefore, a significant reduction is a criticalthe RITE headquarter site in Kyoto. Three different test

global challenge and attaches special important to Car-facilities for absorption, adsorption, and membrane

bon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies. On theprocesses will be installed there, and a natural gas com-other hand, CO2 hydrogenation as a one of the utiliza-

bustion boiler will be the source of actual flue gas (Fig.

tion technologies that produces water and that causes

14). The basic engineering of the test center was com-deactivation of the catalyst and decreases the reaction

pleted in FY 2023.

rate. In order to solve these problems, we shed light onmethanol synthesis using CO2 as the raw material using
a membrane reactor that combines the membrane andthe catalyst.

54

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

At RITE, we successfully developed a novel hydrophilic zeolite membrane, which has higher hydrothermal stability and water/methanol permselective performance compared to conventional LTA-type zeolite
membranes. This membrane was applied to the membrane reactor for methanol synthesis, and CO2 conversion was achieved at a rate three times higher compared to the conventional packed-bed reactor. Currently, we are studying the possibility of extending thelength of the developed dehydration membrane under
the NEDO project Development of Technologies for
Carbon Recycling and Next-Generation Thermal Power

Fig. 15. Temperature dependence of H2O/MeOH perm-

Generation / Development, and Demonstration of Tech-

selective performance though long-scale dehydra-

nologies for CO2 Utilization, and have succeeded in syn-tion membrane (100 mm-cut sample).

thesizing a practical length of dehydration membranewith comparatively high permeation and separation

Bench-scale membrane reactor tests equipped withperformance. We also succeeded in synthesizing a de-multiple dehydration membranes of practical length

hydration membrane with a practical length that haswith this performance are underway at JFE Steel (Fuku-

relatively high permeation separation performance. Inyama). We are also examining ways to improve the re-addition, target values (H2O permeability: 1 x 10-6 mol

producibility of practical-length dehydration mem-m

Pa , H2O/MeOH selectivity: >1,050) werebranes, and have successfully synthesized a membrane

achieved in the reaction temperature range for metha-

as long as that of the lab-scale test (champion data innol synthesis. Notably, the long dehydration membrane

the figure) by carefully examining the synthesized

exhibited high permeability at approximately twice themembranes and as shown in Fig. 16. This performancetarget value, an achievement that can be expected to

was higher or comparable to that of dehydration mem-

improve methanol synthesis efficiency when applied tobranes already commercially available (+ plot in the fig-a membrane reactor (Fig. 15).

ure). In addition, compared to LTA-type zeolite mem-

-2

s

-1

-1

branes, which are commonly used dehydration membranes, the Si-rich LTA membranes are expected to havehigher hydrothermal stability, which will enable theirapplication in separation systems that have had difficulty applying LTA-type zeolite membranes.

55

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

Fig. 17. Schematic diagram of counter-diffusion CVD
method.

Recently, the global helium crisis has become an issue,
Fig. 16. H2O/MeOH permselective performance though
long-scale dehydration membrane

and it is important to find a way to secure helium. Considering energy conservation, a method to recover helium using a membrane separation method that does

9. He recovery membrane

not involve a phase change is considered the best op-

RITE has been developing silica membranes for hy-

tion. The smallest molecular size of helium is 0.26 nm,

drogen separation and has succeeded in producing var-and other small molecules are H2: 0.29 nm, CO2: 0. 33

ious silica membranes that can permeate hydrogen

nm, N2: 0.36 nm, and CH4: 0.38 nm. The silica mem-produced from a variety of different reactions, including

branes for hydrogen separation developed at RITE are

dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane (MCH), one ofconsidered to be sufficiently applicable to helium sepa-

the hydrogen carriers. The silica membrane was formed

ration. Currently, we are studying the development ofusing the counter diffusion chemical vapor deposition

longer silica membranes for helium separation under(CVD) method (Fig. 17). Oxygen was supplied from in-

the NEDO Leading Research Program / Leading Re-

side of the porous support, and a silica source was fed

search Program for the Creation of New Industry andto outside of that. When the pores are filled with silica,

Innovative Technology / Development of Highly Effi-

the reaction occurs preferentially in the unfilled areas,

cient Helium Membrane Separation and Recovery Tech-

allowing for the reproducible formation of silica mem-

nology in Nonflammable Gas Fields entrusted by the Ja-

brane with relatively high performance.

pan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC).
10. CO2 fixation
CO2 fixation (CO2 mineralization) has the same basic
concept as enhanced weathering, which is one of thenegative emission technologies. It is a technology thatreacts CO2 with alkaline earth metals and immobilizes it
as a chemically stable carbonate, which is attracting attention as a CO2 fixation technology that does not affectthe ecosystem. In recent years, early implementation of56

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

CO2 fixation using byproducts and waste containing al-

Industrialization Strategy Council, which includes a total

kaline earth metals is expected to contribute to theof 33 private companies (as of March 2024) and the Finebuilding of a sustainable society.

Ceramics Center, Inc., as a special member.

RITE has a proprietary process that has been devel-

From FY 2023, activities were expanded to promote

oped over many years for the fixation of CO2 as car-the following projects with the aim of establishing tech-bonate, and since 2020, in collaboration with private

nologies for CO2 separation and effective utilization thatcompanies, has been developing technology to extract

will contribute to innovative environmental and energy

alkaline earth metals from steel slag, waste concrete,technologies. We are promoting a variety of activities,

and other materials in a wet process and recover CO2

which include the following:

emitted from factories as a stable compound, as well as【General Activities】

developing effective technology for the production of(1) Sponsorship of research meetings

carbonate (Fig. 18).

(2) Free seminars for members only

With this process, energy savings have been

(3) Dissemination of information on needs and seeds

achieved by lowering the reaction temperature andand hot topics to members

shortening the reaction time, and a process in which the(4) Sponsorship of symposiums

liquid used once can be used again (application of re-【Individual Activities】

generated liquid) has been established. It has also been

(1) Plans for joint implementation projects funded byshown that the process can be scaled up. In addition, by

the government and NEDO

improving the solution used during extraction, a reduc-(2) Acceptance of researchers from council members totion in material costs can be expected. Based on thethe Research Section of the IMeRC and the imple-

knowledge and information that has been acquired somentation of training workshops

far, studies are currently being conducted with the aimof industrialization.

(3) Offers for technical guidance from the IMeRC Advisory Board and Research Section(4) Hosting exclusive technology seminars for council
members
In FY 2023, two research group activities werelaunched: the CO2 Separation and Recovery ResearchGroup and the Membrane Reactor Research Group.
In the CO2 Separation Study Group, the Chemical Research Group presented an overview of the DAC technology and topics of each DAC company.
In the Membrane Reactor Group, the Chemistry Research Group provided information on membrane reac-

Fig. 18. CO2 fixation as carbonates

tors in general and CO2-free hydrogen production inparticular.

11. Activities and efforts toward commercialization and

The members-only free seminars were held threeindustrialization

times at the venue and online. Researchers from univer-

The core of the Industrial Collaboration Division is thesities and private companies gave lectures on the latest

57

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today, 2024

R&D trends and case studies on CO2 capture and effec-

ment energy-saving and low-cost CO2 capture technol-

tive utilization, and active Q&A sessions took place.

ogies into our societies as soon as possible.

In addition, we conducted patent and literatureSpecially, the chemical absorption process will be en-searches related to the information presented at thehanced by the development of practical high-perfor-

lectures and sent out needs and seeds information twice

mance chemical solvents. For solid sorbents, we willwith comments from Chemical Research Group re-steadily conduct a pilot test planned to start FY 2023 on

searchers, and hot topics once with the latest infor-a scale of 40 t-CO2/day captured from flue gas at a coal-mation from academic society topics, METI, and NEDO,

fired power plant and steadily develop new sorbents forcontributing to the promotion of technological devel-

natural gas-fired flue gas. Regarding the DAC technol-

opment and improvement of knowledge of the mem-ogy, we will accelerate the system development andbers.

sorbent manufacturing for a bench-scale on-site

Two member companies participated in poster

demonstration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As for mem-presentations at the Symposium on Innovative CO2

brane separation, the project of a compact medium-

Capture and Effective Utilization held in February 2024.

pressure hydrogen production system started from2024. About the establishment of a common base for

12. Conclusion
The Chemical Research Group will continue to actively participate in the development of technology forevaluating CO2 separation materials, the construction of
the Real-Gas Test Center will be completed in 2024, andthe test using real gas will be initiated.

CO2 separation and capture from a variety of CO2 emis-Also, efforts will be continuously devoted for the ef-sion sources. In future, the Chemical Research Groupfective utilization of the captured CO2 and hydrogen

will be fully committed to the above-mentioned re-

production technologies for that purpose. We will de-search topics. For carbon capture technologies in avelop technology for CO2 fixation into carbonates using

stage very close to practical applications, we will con-steel slag and waste concrete and then explore technol-

duct scale-up studies and tests under real-gas condi-

ogy for recycling CO2 into fuel and chemical feedstocks.

tions with the aim of establishing the technology at an

Furthermore, we will further strengthen the cooperation

early stage for early implementation into society. It iswith the carbon capture industry through the establish-

necessary to develop technology that can handle low-ment of the Real-Gas Test Center and the activities ofconcentration CO2 emission sources. The negative

the Industrialization Strategy Council. We will continue

emissions technologies, such as DACCS making a sig-

to contribute to the development of domestic carbon

nificant contribution to sustainable development sce-

capture technology.

narios for decarbonization, will be the focus. As the CO2
concentration decreases, the amount of gas to betreated increases, and the oxygen concentration increases. The development of materials at low cost withhigher deterioration resistance and its corresponding
system is highly Important. We will accelerate the development of these technologies so that we can imple-

58

R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

CO2 Storage Research Group
Member (As of Apr. 2024)
Ziqiu Xue, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Umeda, Deputy Leader, Chief Researcher
Satoru Yokoi, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Takasu, Associate Chief Researcher
Takahiro Nakajima, Associate Chief Researcher
Takeshi Myoi, Associate Chief Researcher
Tsutomu Hashimoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Saeko Mito, Senior Researcher
Tetsuma Toshioka, Senior Researcher
Osamu Takano, Senior Researcher
Keisuke Uchimoto, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Komaki, Senior Researcher
Atsushi Ibusuki, Senior Researcher
Yuji Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Yi Zhang, Senior Researcher
Hyuck Park, Senior Researcher
Jiro Suekuni, Senior Researcher
Yuji Yamashita, Senior Researcher

Ken Asajima, Senior Researcher
Tetsumi Imamura, Senior Researcher
Satoko Fuchikami, Vice Manager
Kimiko Nakanishi, Chief
Takayuki Miyoshi, Researcher
Takeya Nagata, Researcher
Rasha Amer, Researcher
Jinrong Cao, Researcher
Shoichiro Hozumi, Researcher
Hiraku Miyasaka, Researcher
Masafumi Kotani, Researcher
Junko Hirai, Research AssistantYuko Himi, Research AssistantAkemi Nishide, Research Assistant
Megumi Okumichi, Research Assistant
Megumi Sasaki, Research Assistant
Nae Hidaka, Research Assistant
Akiko Ono, Research AssistantTechnology Demonstration, Knowledge Sharing and Non-technicalSupport for Large Scale Deployment of Geological CO2 Storage
1. Introduction

regulations CO2 transport projects, and other business

The final summary of the CCS Long-term Roadmap

environment.

Study Group, published by the Ministry of Economy,

In technological development, the law the group will

Trade and Industry in March 2023, clearly states the in-set concrete cost reduction targets and promote tech-dispensable role of CCS in achieving a stable energy

nological development and demonstration. RITE, as asupply and carbon neutrality in Japan. The business en-

member of the Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage

vironment must be developed to enable operations by

Technology Research Association, is promoting techno-

2030. The government is presenting concrete plans forlogical development with application to domestic CCS

commercialization in this context.

In June 2023, sevenprojects under a project commissioned by the New En-“Japanese Advanced CCS projects” were selected asergy and Industrial Technology Development Organiza-

part of the “Japanese Support for CCS projects.” In Feb-tion (NEDO). The group is developing technologies toruary 2024, the Cabinet approved a draft law on CCS

ensure safety and reduce costs by monitoring geologi-

projects

cal formations and pipelines with fiber optic sensor

which was submitted to the Diet.

In the 213th ordinary session of the Diet, the Bill fortechnology, supporting the commercialization of CCS

the Act on Carbon Dioxide Storage Businesses (CCS

and producing technical manuals that will serve as a

Business Act) was passed into law. The CCS business Act

guide for CCS operators. In developing monitoring

establishes a licensing system for storage, exploratory

technology, we are conducting demonstration tests at

drilling rights, as well as business and security

domestic and overseas sites, including a commercial

59

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

CCS project site in the US. We are conducting a tech-sensing is a promising monitoring technology thatnical demonstration of a method to monitor the integ-

meets these requirements.

rity of geological storage facilities, such as CO2 pipelines

Fiber optic sensing is a technology that measures en-

and wells, and the stability of geological formations byvironmental changes around an optical fiber by meas-

measuring temperature, strain and acoustics using op-

uring the backscattered light generated when an optical

tical fibers.

pulse is transmitted through the fiber. Raman scattering

In addition, we are working on technologies to sup-is used to measure temperature (DTS: Distributed Tem-

port the various steps leading to commercialisation ofperature Sensing), and Brillouin scattering is used to

CCS, such as the development of communication meth-measure temperature and strain (DSS: Distributed Strain

ods with local communities, the development of infor-

Sensing). Rayleigh scattering light is mainly used formation on the location of emission sources, which is es-

damage detection and acoustic (vibration) measure-sential for the design of project plans, and the develop-

ment (DAS: Distributed Acoustic Sensing) by utilizing

ment of cost estimation tools to assess commercial fea-

the change in scattered light intensity due to bending,sibility.

etc. Recently, Rayleigh scattering lightis also used forFurthermore, we are also compiling a collection ofhigh-precision temperature and strain measurement bytechnical case studies from national and international

utilizing its spectral change. Fiber optic sensing technol-

case studies to share knowledge on each stage of theogy is characterized by the fact that the entire optical

CCS project, from planning to operation and post-clo-

fiber acts as a receiver, making it possible to acquiresure. A total of seven editions have been prepared byspatially continuous records. In addition, a single fiber

the end of 2023 and will be made available successively.

optic cable bundled with multiple fibers can be installed
as a multi-sensor to measure temperature, strain and

2. Main research topics and results

acoustics, significantly reducing the cost of installing a

2.1. Development of a fiber optic based formation in-large number of sensors. In particular, the fiber optic

tegrity monitoring system

cable is thin, with a diameter of only a few millimeters

Subsurface monitoring is one of the essential ele-

to a few centimeters, and can be easily installed in con-mental technologies for CO2 geological storage pro-fined spaces, allowing the cable to be installed in a small

jects that are being pursued in earnest in Japan andgap between the formation and the outside of the steel

abroad. To confirm that the injected CO2 is safely storedpipe, known as the casing, that holds the well.

in the formation, in addition to monitoring the extent of

RITE has been conducting research and development

CO2 spread, monitoring of formation deformation andof optical fiber sensing technology through laboratory

the extent of pressure propagation due to increased

and field tests, and is currently conducting verification

formation pressure, and monitoring of well integrity to

tests at several domestic and overseas sites. At domes-

detect any leakage are carried through. As this monitor-

tic sites, in addition to evaluating the performance ofing is carried out over a long period of time, it is neces-the developed fiber-optic cable and improving the in-sary to use economical technology. In addition, real-

stallation method, the effectiveness of the technology

time monitoring systems are expected to provide infor-is being verified in a CO2 injection environment, such as

mation that contributes to immediate decision making,injection in multiple wells, assuming a real project. Fur-such as changes in injection conditions. Fiber-optic

thermore, at the CCS site in North Dakota, USA,

60

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

simultaneous temperature, strain, and acoustic meas-

water injection and pumping around the site are meas-

urements using a single optical fiber cable are being

ured and used as a technology to evaluate hydraulicconducted as a technical demonstration of a multi-

properties around the site through geomechanicalsensing CO2 geological storage monitoring system. In

analysis based on optical fiber strain measurement data.

Australia, field tests are progressing at the Otway site inThis technology should lead to the efficient placement

Victoria and the South Perth site in Western Australia toof multi-well sites, essential for future underground CO2

monitor leakage from shallow faults and the stability ofstorage in Japan.

deep faults.
The following is an overview of the field testing underway at each site.
2.1.1 Domestic test sites
At a test site in the Mobara area of Chiba Prefecture,
Japan, we are conducting field tests to verify the technology of the CO2 geological storage monitoring system using fiber-optic sensors. Various optical fibers

Figure 1 Fiber optic installation work at a site in Japan

have been installed in shallow wells at depths of around
300m, water injection and pumping tests have been

2.1.2 North Dakota CCS Site, USA

carried out using wells to measure and evaluate the op-

The North Dakota CCS project is a commercial projecttical fibers. Various optical fibers were installed in shal-stores approximately 180,000 tons per year of CO2 col-low wells at depths of around 300m, water injection andlected from the ethanol refining process in a saline aq-

pumping tests were carried out in the wells to evaluate

uifer approximately 2,000m deep underground. Injec-

the measurement ability of the optical fibers.

tion began in mid-June 2022, and as of March 31, 2024,

In

FY2022, a new well was drilled to a depth of over 900m,

approximately 250,000 t of CO2 had been stored.

and optical fiber cables were installed to measure tem-In this project, fiber optic cables have been installed

perature, strain, and sound simultaneously. Throughin four wells (one injection well, one observation wellthese tests, we were able to develop the technology forand two shallow groundwater observation wells) andinstalling optical fiber cables, equipment, also installa-

along the CO2 pipeline (Figure 2), with simultaneoustion method (Figure 1). In parallel, we are in the process

measurements of DAS, DTS and DSS This project is aof developing fiber optic technology for the evaluation

technical demonstration of multi-sensor technology inof the cement integrity of the wellbore. The technology

a single fiber-optic cable in a commercial project, andis expected to be a real-time monitoring technology

we will continue measurements until the injection ofthat can be used during construction to assess cement-

1Mt , which is one of the guidelines for the scale of com-

ing integrity which affects the potential leakage from anmercialization in Japan, in order to accumulate

injection well at underground CO2 storage sites.

knowledge of problems and countermeasures in theLong-term continuous monitoring using DSS (strain
measurement) has been ongoing at the site since thefiber was installed in FY2022. Strain changes caused byoperation of monitoring systems for domestic CCS projects.
Imaging techniques using repeated seismic surveys

61

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

are used to map the CO2 plume. Vertical seismic profil-

used to detect the CO2 plume immediately after injec-

ing (VSP), in which the receivers are placed downhole,tion begins, while the offset VSP recordings are used tois one of the techniques used for seismic profiling be-

determine the spread of the CO2 plume. Time-lapse

cause it brings the receivers closer to the target andanalysis of repeated VSP recordings is currently under-

thus enables high-quality data acquisition. In further-

way to ascertain the CO2 spread.

more, the use of a fiber optic cable equipped with nu-

In addition, DTS and DSS (temperature and strain

merous receivers as a downhole receiver reduces themeasurement) in all sections of CO2 pipelines and injec-

noise caused by the misalignment of the receiver points

tion wells are conducted to detect any possible leakage.

and also speeds up the data acquisition.

In the past, point measurements were taken by flow

Repeated 3D seismic surveys aimed at understanding

meters and temperature/pressure gauges installed at

how the CO2 plume spreads are typically conducted

the entrance and exit of the pipeline and at the bottom

every one to several years. To fill this time gap, a fixedof the well. Fiber optic sensing technology, on the other

Surface Orbital Vibrator (SOV) was introduced to allow

hand, continues real-time monitoring of the entire

frequent data collection.

route section, exploiting the fact that the entire fiber isthe measuring point.
2.1.3 Australia Site
The risks associated with the deployment of CO2 geological storage projects in Japan, where there aremany faults, include the effects of injection on faults
and leakage from faults. To address these risks, fault
zone characterization, fault stability monitoring, fault
leakage detection and monitoring technology are essential. The fiber optic sensing technology developed
by RITE will be an effective tool, but various tests at actual sites are essential to establish these technologies.
For this reason, since fiscal 2021, we have been con-Figure 2 Overview of the fiber optic monitoring system

ducting a Japan-Australia joint research project with anat the North Dakota site

Australian research institute that has a test site where
known faults are distributed. A CO2 leak detection field

The SOV is a permanent vibration device that trans-

test from a shallow fault using fiber optic sensing tech-mits vibration into the formation by means of an in-

nology is underway at the Otway site in southwest Vic-

clined weight mounted on a concrete block rotating at

toria, Australia. The site is a demonstration test sitehigh speed. They can be remotely and automaticallywhere tens of thousands of t of CO2 have been injected

controlled, eliminating the need for an on-site operator

by the Australian research institute CO2CRC. Two new

to vibrate. At the North Dakota site, SOVs are installed

wells have been drilled at the site, a new fiber-optic ca-

at four locations on the site and vibrate as required. Of

ble capable of high performance DSS (strain measure-

the recordings made, the (zero) offset recordings arement) has been installed and water injection tests have62

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Groupbeen conducted. Hydraulic characterization of the site

RITE Today 2024

2.2 CCS Commercialization Support

and the fault is now underway using the measured data.

With the start of the Japanese advanced CCS support

We plan to evaluate the performance of small-scale CO2

projects by JOGMEC in FY2023, the large-scale deploy-

injection for leak detection in the future.

ment and commercialization of CCS in now started.
RITE is also undertaking research and development tosupport large-scale deployment of CCS. Specifically,
RITE has been conducting research and development
on methods to promote understanding of CCS deployment areas, support for setting up appropriate CCS
commercialization forms, and economic evaluation of
CCS. The progress of the projects are reported below.

Figure 3 Fiber optic installation work at Otway site

2.2.1 Communication with Local Communities in CCS
Projects

At the South Perth site in south-west Western Aus-

Once the project candidate sites have been chosen,

tralia, field tests are underway to assess fault stability,

the project developers need to communicate withparticularly for deep faults. At the test site, a well has

stakeholders and local residents to gain their under-

been drilled through the deep fault zone and fiber-optic

standing and support for the project. Communication

cables have been installed to evaluate the hydraulic andactivities should be conducted as early as possible withmechanical properties of the fault and fracture zone

a wide range of stakeholders. The basic idea is that thebased on DSS (strain measurement) results and to as-

communication activity should be a two-way process,sess fault reactivity. In FY2023, a new inclined well waswith close communication with the local community at

drilled. The successful installation of the optical fiber ca-

an early stage and local ideas and wishes being incor-

ble in the back of the casing of the inclined well has im-

porated into the project plan, rather than a one-way

proved the optical fiber installation technique for CO2

communication from the project proponent to the local

geological storage monitoring. We plan to conduct fluid

community, with the project proponent asking the local

injection tests in the future and evaluate the hydrauliccommunity to accept the project after all the projectand mechanical properties of the fault using the results

plans have been decided. RITE has conducted researchof the same measurements.

on communication with local communities in the deployment of CCS projects. This paper discusses the importance of raising awareness of CCS in the early stagesof communication. There have been cases overseas
where local residents and stakeholders were unfamiliar
with CCS and the project plan proceeded without theirknowledge of CCS, leading to opposition to the project

Figure 4 Fiber optic installation at the southern Perthfrom the local community. Therefore, it is important tosite, Australia

have local residents and stakeholders understand CCS.
In Japan, awareness of CCS is low, with about half of63

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Groupthe general public having never even heard of the term.

RITE Today 2024

read with inserting diagrams and illustrations.

Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize people with theterm "CCS. After all, even if there is a communication

2.2.2 Analysis of Local Economic impacts by deploy-

event about "CCS" that they have never heard of at all,ment of CCS

they are unlikely to want to participate. The government

When applying CCS projects, it is important to explain

considers CCS as an important option toward carbon

not only the technical and scientific aspects of CCS, but

neutrality, and advanced CCS projects started last year.

also the socio-economic benefits that the project will

We expect to see and hear the term "CCS" more often

bring to the local community. RITE has developedin the future, and for the time being, CCS providers also

methodology for analyzing the local economic impacts

need to promote the term "CCS" as a first step in theirof CCS deployment and has applied it to actual areas tocommunication activities.

appeal the socio-economic benefits. The following out-

As more people see and hear the term "CCS," morelines how to examine the benefits

people are likely to search for and look up CCS. The first

Estimation of CCS Investments

information a person decides to look up "CCS" is im-

First of all, it is necessary to figure out the CCS

portant. This information may lead them to have posi-

scheme and determine the total investment amount.

tive or negative opinions about CCS. Misinformation

These are specified using the emission source data baseabout CCS can prevail. For example, information about(DB) and CCS cost estimation tool described below.

CCS that was spread by a celebrity social networking

Analysis of Economic impact by CCS investmentssite immediately after the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earth

After determining the total amount of the CCS invest-

quake was considered "fake news," Initial exposure toments, we estimate direct, indirect and induced eco-misinformation can lead to misconceptions about CCS.

nomic effects and the employment opportunity gains

It is said that once people believe information and baseby the CCS investment.

their ideas on that information, those ideas are not eas-

To estimate the CCS investment impacts on the local

ily changed In addition, people tend to selectively ac-

economy, we could use the input-output table and eco-

cept only the information that matches their own ideas,

nomic effect analysis tool provided by each local gov-

and nowadays, through social networking services,

ernment. However, "CCS" is a new industry and the ex-people tend to connect only with others who share theiristing tables and tools do not include such items. There-

ideas, thus reinforcing their ideas. It is therefore im-fore, the components of the CCS industries have exam-

portant that information based on scientific and aca-

ined and arranged by combining existing industry items.

demic knowledge about CCS is easy to find in searches.

Finally, we produce the analysis tool fit on the CCS type

However, even if it is easy to find in a search, it isand the targeted local economy. As the components ofmeaningless if it is not read.

We, RITE, have prepared

CCS projects are diverse, definition of the details of the

FAQs to answer questions that the general public may

CCS industrial structure and its procedures is a future

have about CCS. This FAQs is to help people who arework in progress.

searching or investigating "CCS" to solve their questions.

Economic impacts of site visits

A (Answers) are designed to be readable without prior

In addition to the industrial economic impacts of at-

knowledge for the purpose. We plan to develop thetracting the CCS, the host area will also benefit from the

FAQs to make it even more approachable and easy toeconomic impact of the site visits by bringing visitors to64

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

understand what is CCS. In fact, many domestic and in-Application and adaptation of the analysis method

ternational visitors came to Tomakomai, Hokkaido,

The above is an introduction to the methodology forwhere the large-scale CCS demonstration was tested. It

analyzing the local economic impacts of CCS. We haveis also important to estimate the number of CCS visitors

already applied the method in some areas, but weand analyze the induced impacts of their visits by refer-would like to increase the number of practical examples

ring to such previous examples. Some local govern-of the analysis and improve its accuracy and usability inments provide tools to assess the economic impact of

the near future. If you are considering the local eco-

tourism, which should be applied.

nomic impact of CCS, we would like to hear from you.

Approach to improve economic benefits
The main components of the CCS industry are 'con-

2.2.3 Development of CO2 emission source databasestruction' and the procurement of materials and equip-

Appropriate matching of CO2 emission sources andment such as 'general-purpose machinery'. Construc-reservoirs is crucial for the commercialization of CCS.

tion can largely be carried out locally, contributing to

Therefore, RITE is working on the development of a CO2

the expansion of economic impacts. Many materials

emission source database (hereinafter referred to as

and equipment, however, cannot be sourced in the CCS"emission source DB") to support this matching.

deployment area, and this is a factor in the absence of
local economic stimulation.
The input-output table shows the self-sufficiency ofBelow is an overview of its data structure, functional
overview, and future development.
Data structure of the emission source DB

relevant industries, and improving this value can boost

The Ministry of the Environment's public data based

the economic benefits. It provides quantitative guid-on the "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculation, Report-

ance on which industries and human resources shoulding, and Publication System" (hereafter referred to as

be developed locally.

"Greenhouse Gas Public Data") contains over 10,000

Thus, the consultation of the economic impacts of

CO2 emission source information. The Emission Sources

CCS will also contribute to the design of industrial de-

DB is based on this information, and addresses the fol-velopment policies in the region where it is located.

lowing a), b), and c) to fit the characteristics of decar-

CCS/CCU Coordination Effectiveness Analysis

bonization through CCS.

As well as the geological storage of CO2, the use ofa) Estimation of direct CO2 emissions and DB

CO2 (CCU) is also attracting attention. In the case of CCU,

The CO2 emissions of each site in the Greenhouse Gas

matching CO2 supply and demand is critical. In somePublic Data include the CO2 equivalent of electricity andcases, however, the supply of CO2 far exceeds demand,heat supplied by others as a numeric value. CCS collects

forcing the captured CO2 to be vented. If CCS is used inand stores the direct CO2 emissions actually emitted by

conjunction with CCU, the excess CO2 for CCU can be

the business site concerned, and it is needs to exclude

stored underground and create carbon reduction cred-

CO2 emissions equivalent to electricity and heat. There-

its.

fore, a "direct emission factor" is calculated for each

In other words, the use of CCS helps to reduce thebusiness type using a specific statistical method, multi-

uncertainty of CCU businesses and increase their pre-plied by the CO2 in Greenhouse Gas public Data, anddictability; this perspective is also important when dis-the direct CO2 emissions from each business site are de-cussing the economic benefits of CCS.

termined for the database.

65

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024b) Inclusion of biomass fuel CO2 emission source information
The data of the Greenhouse Gas public Data covers
CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, while CO2 emissions
from biomass fuels are not covered because they arecarbon neutral. On the other hand, biomass power
plants also emit CO2, which can be captured and stored
for BECCS and negative emissions, which are importantfactors in promoting decarbonization. Therefore, we arealso investigating CO2 emission source informationfrom biomass fuels with reference to information fromthe Agency for Natural Resources and Energy's Electric-

Figure 5 Example of integrated display of CO2 emission

ity Survey Statistics, etc., to estimate CO2 emissions andsource and storage potential

incorporate them into the emission source DB.
c) Reflection of storage potential informationb) Information screening function

Mapping information on storage potentials from the

The visualized map can be moved freely, and specificNational Reservoir Availability Survey conducted byareas can be zoomed in on. In addition, information on

RITE is also reflected in the emission source DB.

emission sources can be extracted by circling an area,

Information mapping and screening capabilities

which can be used to cluster emission sources. It is alsoa)Mapping of emission sources with potential reservoirs

possible to display emission sources by type, such as

In order to properly match emission sources and res-coal-fired power plants and factories. For example, if

ervoirs, it is important to visually grasp their location.

the display is limited to CO2 emission sources from

Therefore, we realized a function to map the databiomass fuels, it can contribute to the development ofshown in ➀. Figure 5 is an example of such a mapping,CO2 offsetting strategies through BECCS.

where emission sources are concentrated on the Pacific➂ Work towards the Platform to Help

Ocean side and reservoirs are mostly located on the Sea

Commercialization of CCS

of Japan, and their geological characteristics can beeasily captured.

In anticipation of the large-scale and full deploymentof CCS, the ability to map existing gas pipelines, thescreening of inland emission sources at a certain
distance based on the concentration of CO2 emissions
will be added over time to the features alreadydescribed. The commercialization of CCS requires thecooperation of a wide range of stakeholders, including
policy makers, engineers, investors and business
managers, to steer the direction of the project.
This database will facilitate quick access to required
information and the sharing of information between
stakeholders using the visualization function. In

66

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

addition, we plan to link it with other support functions,storage process. As most storage in Japan is consideredsuch as the CCS cost estimation tool to be introduced

subsea, this tool targets subsea storage. The sea area

next, to create a platform that accurately supports thesetting is determined by the offshore distance watercommercialization of CCS. If you have any comments or

depth of the storage location, and the system

requests regarding this DB, please let us know.

automatically selects one of the following threemethods: A. Injection from land (Tomakomai method),

2.2.4 Development of CCS cost estimation toolThis tool has been developed to enable industrial
companies to compare the costs of several possible

B. Injection from a fixed base (jack-up method), or C.
Injection from a floating base (semi-submersible
method).

project types. In addition to estimating a range of costs

Figure 6 shows the three storage methods comparedfrom capture to storage for stand-alone CCS, the toolin this study. The left side of the figure shows an image

also includes cost estimates for hubs and clusters whereof the storage system, and the right side shows themultiple emitters are aggregated in coastal areas.

assumptions used in the estimation.

The latter multiple emitter cost estimation tool is also
useful to specifically assess the extent to which theproposed configuration of aggregation groups using
the source database (2.2.3) is expected to reduce costs,
or whether such a configuration is the best one.
Furthermore, because this tool can perform calculations
at high speed, results can be checked in real time asparameters are changed. We therefore believe that thetool will be used to support the trial and error processof finding the optimal deployment of a CCS project.
The cost that the tool can estimate

Figure 6 Illustration of storage methods

Assuming CCS in Japan, the tool includes options foreach of the capture, transport and storage processes.

In addition, the injection of CO2 into the subsurface

For example, coal-fired and LNG-fired power plants are

requires associated monitoring, so the monitoring costs

among the options for capture while onshore, offshore

are also included in the estimation of the storage

pipelines and maritime transport are among theprocess.

options for transport.
In addition to these process-related options, theFigure 7 shows the difference of the costs storage
methods.

project period annual CO2 throughput, discount rate,

During the test calculation, we varied the amount ofand exchange rate can be set as options related to theCO2 (injection volume) in five steps from 1 Mt/yr toentire CCS project. By selecting and combining these

5Mt/yr, and examined how much economies of scale

options, users can build the CCS they envision in thewould occur.

tool.

The figure shows that the lowest storage cost was

An example of estimationachieved by injecting from land, followed by a fixed

Here we present an example of estimation in thebase type and the floating type. Regarding economies

67

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024of scale, the floating type was effective up to 3Mt /yr,setting is that there is a difference in the total amountbut not at higher CO2 throughputs. For the otherof CO2 already contracted between Groups A and B. It

storage methods, economies of scale were small oris assumed that Group A and Group B have 3Mt/yr andalmost nonexistent.

1.5M t/yr of CO2 secured, respectively. It is also

In terms of monitoring, on the other hand, economies

assumed that emitter X bears the cost of the onshoreof scale were found to significant in all three storage

pipeline from emitter X (1 Mt/yr) to the hub of eachmethods. In terms of cost, injecting from land was moregroup, and that the ship transportation distance andexpensive than the others. This may be because thestorage method are the same for both groups. The

water depth setting was 45 m, which did not allow for

distance between Port A and Port B was assumed to beseismic exploration using streamers, therefore seismic

100 km (with a hub at each port).

exploration using an ocean bottom receiving cable(OBC) was employed.

Figure 8 Image of CCS facilities grouping formation

Figure 7 Difference in the cost of storage method

Considerations for networking of emitters
In terms of reducing the cost of CCS, the networkingof emitters in hubs, clusters and the processing of large
quantities of CO2 can have a significant cost-reducing
effect.

As networking is a cost-reducing measure thatcan be implemented with existing technologies, theidea of clustering emitters for joint implementation is anatural concept. In this section, we will explore which of
the two networking groups forming in a given coastal
area would be more advantageous for intermediate
emitters to join.
Figure 8 shows an image of the consolidation groupformation process. The figure shows that there are twogroups under consideration, Group A and Group B. The

Figure 9 shows the relationship between distancefrom emitter X to port A and CCS costs. The purple line
shows the cost of using Port A and the orange line
shows the cost of using Port B. The top figure in Figure
9 is for the case where emitter X implemented CCS
alone and was not affected by the networking group, soboth costs simply meet at the midpoint between thetwo ports (50 km).
On the other hand, in the lower panel of Figure 9,
emitter X is affected by the networking group, andGroup A, which originally had a larger CO2 processing
scale, has a larger cost reduction than Group B. As aresult, the purple line has moved more downward, andthus the intersection of the lines has moved to the right.
This shows that for emitter X, it is less expensive toparticipate in group A when the distance from port A is68

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Group

within 80 km, and beyond that, i.e., when the distancefrom port B is within 20 km, it is less expensive toparticipate in group B.

RITE Today 2024

2.3. Practical Guidance
RITE has been working on the development of various
technologies and methodologies, including monitoring

Note that in the above discussion, we considered only

technologies, for the practical application of CO2

the CO2 throughput and distance from source X forgeological storage technology. Based on the results ofGroups A and B. In reality, there are many variations. For

these efforts, RITE has been is preparing a Practicalexample, Groups A and B could have different shipping

Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage (hereinafter

distances, different storage methods, different injectionreferred to as this Practical Guidance) as part of therates, different project periods, and even one of thedevelopment of conditions and standards for thegroups could bear the cost of laying the pipeline.

widespread use of CCS.

Working towards the release of the tool

Designed as a reference for future CCS operators, thisAt this point, we have completed the installation ofcollection of case studies summarizes national andthe planned costing engine, which allows us to perform

international technical information and case studies on

the trial calculations shown above. On the other hand,geological storage of CO2. For example, the mainin order to make the tool publicly available, it isfindings of "Development of Carbon Dioxide Geologicalnecessary to provide an interface that is easy for anyone

Storage Technology" (FY2000-2007; Nagaoka CO2

to understand, and at the same time, it is important to

Injection Demonstration Test), "On Safe Implementation

provide easy-to-understand output in the form ofof CCS Demonstration Project" (2009, METI), "Large-

charts and diagrams. Furthermore, since this tool will bescale CCS demonstration test project in Tomakomai"

released as a web system, measures against cyber-(2022, METI, et al.), etc. Manuals and guidelines

terrorism are also considered essential.

summarizing the results of large-scale geological CO2

After completing these various tasks, we plan tostorage projects by overseas organizations are also

conduct tests (field tests) before releasing the system toreferenced. Figure 10 shows the overall CO2 geologicalthe public on the Internet, and release it to the publicstorage project described in this Practical Guidance.

once its reliability and stability are confirmed.

Figure 9 Distance from emission source X to port A andCCS Cost Relationship

Figure 10 Overall structure of the CO2 geological storage
project

69

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Group(1)Master Planning

RITE Today 2024

will be improved to develop the accuracy of the long-

The overall picture/basic concept of the projectterm behavior prediction. Monitoring of CO2 leakage(including economic feasibility study), work policy andwill also be conducted.

content in each phase, timetable, etc. are presented.

(7) Site closure(2) Site selection (screening)

Upon completion of CO2 injection, the injection well

Based on the overall plan presented in the masterwill be closed, all facilities will be removed except thoseplan, candidate site(s) that meet the requirements as

required for post-closure monitoring. Following site

CO2 storage site(s) will be selected using existingclosure, confirmation of CO2 behavior and leakgeological data.

monitoring will continue. After some time, when the(3) Decision on the site

regulatory authority determines that the site is safe, theCO2 Geological data will be gathered for candidatestorage sites as necessary and evaluated in detail. A

site management and other operations will betransferred to a public organization.

geological model will be developed and the CO2
storage capacity will be evaluated by injection
simulation, and an economic and risk assessment will
be performed based on the conceptual design oftransport and injection facilities. As a result, theinjection site will be finalized.
(4) Implementation planning
Based on the results of the site characterization,
develop a specific project deployment, work plan forCO2 injection operations and monitoring. Make a final
investment

decisionincluding

total

project

cost/economics study, risk assessment, etc., and submit

Figure 11 Practical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage,
Series 1-7

the deployment plan for project application to theregulatory authority.
(5) Design and construction
Once the project is approved by the regulatory
authority, the detailed design of the injection andSeries 1-7 of Practical Guidance, has been written andwill be uploaded successively on websites of METI and
NEDO to share the knowledge with the Southeast Asiaand the rest of the world.

transportation facilities, etc. is carried out on the basisof the conceptual and basic designs made up to thatpoint, as well as the construction and commissioning.
(6) Operation and management
Injection operations will be carried out according to
the deployment plan. The spread of the CO2 plume
injected underground and pressure changes in thereservoir will be monitored, and if there are deviations
from the CO2 behavior simulation, the geological model70

Press Releases ・ Events ・ Paper, Presentation and Publication ・Other Activities

RITE Today 2024

Click the link to open the RITE website

Press Releases

EventsPaper, Presentation and Publication
Systems Analysis Group
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Chemical Research Group
CO2 Storage Research Group

Other Activities◆Environmental Education (Facility Visit Program)
Number of

Date

Participants

13 Jul. 2023

Tezukayama Junior High School

27

27 Jul. 2023

Kyoto Prefectural Nishimaizuru High School8

4 Oct. 2023

Izumo Senior High School

42

31 Oct. 2023

Nara Prefectural Narakita Senior High School

21

6 Nov. 2023

Ritsumeikan High School Japan Super Science Fair

28

2 Feb. 2024

Seikanishi Junior High School

7

participants◆Environmental Education (Workshop)
Date
3 Aug. 2023

Title
Craft and Science Experiment to Learn about Global Warming andEnergyNumber ofparticipants
97

71

RITE Today

2024 Vol.19

AnnuaI Report

Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth

9-2 Kizugawadai,
Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto

URL: www.rite.or.jp/en
Email: pub_rite@rite.or.jp

619-0292 JAPAN
TEL.+81-774-75-2300

RITE is a silver partner of “Green Expo” - one of the Future Society Showcase Projects –at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
We are constructing the RITE Negative Emission Pilot Plant at the venue and will conduct
pilot-scale testing on DAC (Direct Air Capture) technology.
©Expo 2025