The Japan Gas Association
1-15-12 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo105-0001, JAPANMarch 23, 2023

Summary of Remarks by JGA Chair HONJO Takehiro
1. Japan Gas Association Business Plan for FY2023
In light of the fluctuating business environment in the wake of conflict
between Russia and Ukraine, etc., the Japan Gas Association has
formulated a business plan to achieve a carbon-neutral society while
continuing to meet the demands of society.
We will promote initiatives for the sustainable development of the city gas
business by positioning the three pillars as our key priorities: constantefforts to ensure a stable supply and strengthen resilience of city gas,
further promotion of the Carbon Neutral Challenge 2050 Action Plan, andcontribution to local decarbonization and regional revitalization.
To ensure a stable supply and strengthen resilience of city gas, we willthoroughly prepare for a smooth response to LNG supply disruptions in
the event of a contingency, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the“Disaster Coordination Plan” and conduct wide-area earthquake
simulation drills.
Regarding further promotion of the Carbon Neutral Challenge 2050
Action Plan, we will promote fuel conversion in the transition period andthe introduction of gas systems that contribute to lower carbon andenhanced energy security, as well as promote the development of emethane CO2 counting rules and actively engage in institutional
discussions related to environmental value transfer and promote issues
for social implementation.

With regard to contributions to regional decarbonization and regionalrevitalization, activities will be strengthened by holding the “RegionalDecarbonization Seminar” and other initiatives to encourage regional
cooperation between gas companies and local governments, as well ashorizontal deployment of good practices and study groups to examine new
business opportunities.
2. Study to promote the introduction of e-methane
Study to promote the introduction of e-methane are underway at the“Gas Business System Study Working Group” and the “Methanation
Promotion Public-Private Council” by Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry.
The Gas Working Group is discussing systems, regulations, economicincentives, and support to promote the carbon neutralization of city gas,
and an interim report is expected to be formulated in June.
At the “Methanation Promotion Public-Private Council”, the discussion
points and recent and future moves toward the introduction of e-methane
were summarized, and regarding the mechanism for transferring
environmental values, the Japan Gas Association explained its study onclean gas certificates.
In light of the situation where gas pipelines in Japan are not connectednationwide, etc., we will consider a clean gas certificates scheme thatenables the transfer of environmental value as a means of expanding theuse of clean gas such as e-methane and biogas.
Led by the Japan Gas Association, test operations will begin in FY2023,
with the aim of actual operation in FY2024.

3. “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan”- Outline of the Gas Pavilion
Last May, the Japan Gas Association decided to exhibit at the Gas
Pavilion and has since been working on specifics.
We have now decided on the concept,「化けろ、未来！（Bakero, mirai!）※」to express the idea that society and the world can be transformed into a more
hopeful picture by each of us changing our awareness and actions for the sakeof our loved ones and the earth, toward the realization of a carbon neutral
society in 2050.
The name and architectural design of the pavilion were also decided
upon to embody this concept.
We would like to deepen our discussions and create a gas pavilion thateveryone can enjoy.
※English concept will be announced later.