The current status of carbon capture and storage development in Japan: potency, policy, demonstration projects, implication, and scenario model in emission reduction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Japan aims to contribute to an 80% reduction of global emissions by 2050 and has accordingly set policies to promote the acceleration of technological development for Carbon Capture and Storage. The first pilot project began operation in 2016 to demonstrate the viability and reliability of Carbon Capture and Storage. However, there are challenges faced today of a technological, social, and economic nature, leading to uncertainty in future energy scenarios. To evaluate the opportunities and challenges of further development and expansion of Carbon Capture and Storage, this paper uses a TIMES (The Integrated MARKAL-Efom System) code generator and identifies four potential scenarios: base, low penetration, high penetration, and carbon tax scenario. In the base scenario, no CO2 is delivered to the reservoir, while in the low and high penetration scenarios, 1.62% and 22% CO2 are absorbed, respectively, but it is not enough to reach Japan’s target. The use of carbon taxes, however, achieved a greater CO2 reduction of 53%. The results of this research are useful for informing policymakers in the energy sector toward sustainable development. Overall, it provides valuable insights into the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage to mitigate climate change.