CCS is a globally important technology not only as a measure to mitigate global warming, but also from the viewpoint of energy security, economic growth and sustainable development. In addition, CCS is a realistic option from a technological perspective, with practical scale projects being advanced in many parts of the world.
On the other hand, in order to achieve the expansion of CCS deployment, there still remain issues such as cost, risk and creating mechanisms to encourage investment.
Considering the above, in this CCS event, we will; 1. Describe from a broad perspective the role of CCS in global warming countermeasures; 2. Demonstrate that CCS is a realistic technology by introducing the efforts of private companies striving for innovation in CCS technology, and finally; 3. Present that Japan will contribute towards CCS deployment and the achievement of global climate goals through technological innovation and international collaboration on CCS.

Mr. John Scowcroft of the Global CCS Institute provided a summary of "The Global CCS Status Report 2018", highlighting the international recognition of CCS as a vital technology to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, and the importance of CCS in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as emphasized in the IPCC 1.5ºC Report, and decarbonizing the industrial sector. Mr. Scowcroft pointed out that Japan is assuming a leading position in CCS by steadily progressing numerous CCS projects and taking a collaborative approach between industry, government, academia and advocates （like the mayor of Tomakomai City）.
Mr. Tim Dixon, IEAGHG explained the role of CCS as a mitigation activity in relation to the NDCs in the Paris Agreement as well as achieving 1.5ºC by 2100, and stressed the importance of sharing learnings from global CCS projects, including those being conducted in Japan. Mr. Jiro Tanaka, Japan CCS Co., Ltd. presented on the Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project, Japan’s first full-chain CCS project, highlighting its unique features such as an energy efficient capture system, intensive monitoring system, injection wells from onshore to offshore, and extensive public outreach activities in Tomakomai City. Mr. Kensuke Suzuki, Toshiba Energy Systems Corp. introduced Toshiba's CO2 capture technology at Mikawa Thermal Power Plant as well as at Saga CCUS Project, and highlighted the vital role of CCS in Japan's long-term goal towards a low carbon society.
As the host of this side event, Mr. Yukihiro Kawaguchi, Director of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry summarized the event by presenting that Japan will contribute in solving the global climate change by working on the R&D for the innovation and International collaboration in CCS, according to the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures that was formulated based on the Paris Agreement.
Moreover, Mr. Kawaguchi also expressed Japanese intention to emphasize the importance of CCS technologies, in the G20 in 2019 that will be chaired by Japan.