By Tiffany Kang, International Affairs Department of TEEMA
Japanese Government Plans to Initiate Carbon Capture and Storage by 2030
During an interview with Japanese media on January 7, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda announced that the Japanese government is committed to initiating Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) by 2030. CCS is the process of capturing carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and storing it underground.
Minister Hagiuda emphasized that although most citizens think the country should stop using fossil fuels to generate electricity, it remains necessary to meet people’s basic living needs and protect the development of the nation’s industry. Besides, the minister believes that in order to reach net zero emissions by 2050, it will be inevitable to include nuclear energy as a source of basic electricity supply.
The issue of how carbon-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals can survive has been discussed among various Japanese government agencies. Currently, the research and development funds of Japan’s carbon emission reduction-related technologies hit 2 trillion yen, which equals around 10% of relevant budgets in other countries. The Japanese government is thus considering to increase the budget in the future.
Japan's Tech Giant Toshiba Corporation Invests 375 Billion Yen in Renewable Energy
Toshiba Corporation is planning to invest 375 billion yen in research and development of solar cells and power semiconductors by March 2024. The company’s R&D center is being rebuilt for the first time in 60 years. In order to contribute to carbon neutrality, Toshiba introduces advanced technology related to renewable energy. Japan views renewable energy as its main source of electricity in the future, expecting it to account for 37% of the nation’s total power generation in 2030, and up to 50%-60% in 2050. Under such circumstances, increasing the use of solar energy has become necessary. Currently, most solar panels are made of silicon. However, due to their weight and shape, locations for the installation are limited. Toshiba’s film-based perovskite solar cell modules are thin, light and flexible, and can be installed in locations where it is difficult to use silicon PV modules, such as low load-bearing roofs and office windows. With an increasing annual budget and efforts made on the research and development of technologies related to renewable energy, Toshiba plays a significant role in the reduction of carbon emissions.
