2023.12.2 Sat.

15:50 - 17:05

Challenges and Recommendations for Japan’s Net Zero by 2050 ― Energy System Perspective ―

Organizer

ETI-CGC (Energy Transition Initiative – Center for Global Commons)
* Industry-academia collaboration platform established by the University of Tokyo and Japanese private companies for discussing pathways to achieve Net Zero in Japan

Seminar abstract

Abstract

In the first half of the event, we will present scenarios for achieving decarbonization in Japan's energy system. We will discuss challenges and hypotheses of solutions in transitioning strategies such as introducing renewable energy sources, shifting from fossil fuels to CO2-free fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, and developing international resource supply chain networks, among other topics. The latter half of the event will involve deliberating ideas for problem-solving and discussing Japan's position in the global context and its potential contributions to global climate change issues from a diverse range of panelists' perspectives, including global leaders, students, and academic experts.

Program

Opening remarks -5 min-

Naoko Ishii Executive Vice President at the University of Tokyo, Professor at Institute for Future Initiatives, Director of Center for Global Commons

Presentation -15 min-

Masakazu Sugiyama Director of Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo

Panel discussion -50 min-

Global and Japanese business leaders, academia, U-Tokyo student (TBD)

Closing remarks -5 min-

Naoko Ishii Executive Vice President at the University of Tokyo, Professor at Institute for Future Initiatives, Director of Center for Global Commons

Speakers

In-person

• Naoko Ishii / Executive Vice President at the University of Tokyo, Professor at Institute for Future Initiatives, Director of Center for Global Commons
• Lord Adair Turner / Energy Transitions Commission, Chair
• Fabby Tumiwa / Institute for Essential Services Reform Executive Director
• Kahori Miyake / Co-Chair at Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership
• Himena Meldy MIYASHITA / Student at Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo

Online

• Masakazu Sugiyama / Director of Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo
• Tomomichi Seki / Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated Managing Executive Officer
• Keiji Kaita / Toyota Motor Corporation President, Carbon Neutral Advanced Engineering Development Center
• Yumi Otsuka / Toyota Motor Corporation Chief Sustainability Officer
• Naohiro Kusumi / Hitachi, Ltd. General Manager, Center for Sustainability
• Tadahiro Kaneko / Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation General Manager, Sustainable Business Promotion Department

Related Links

• For more information about ETI-CGC, including COP28 archived videos, click here.

Session Summary

In this event, Tokyo University presented an interim report on Japan's 2050 net-zero scenario analysis. Subsequently, discussions were held with members of the ETI-CGC industry platform, global climate change leaders, and University of Tokyo students, bringing diverse perspectives to the challenges outlined in the decarbonization scenarios.
The analysis of the 2050 net-zero scenario encompassed the overall decarbonization landscape of Japan's energy system. It emphasized proactive electrification strategies across various sectors, highlighting the significance of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, along with the utilization of technologies like hydrogen, ammonia, and other carbon-neutral fuels. Moreover, it raised awareness about the potential increase in electricity demand due to the uncertain growth of the IT sector and identified challenges in the electrification strategies of the building sector.
During the latter part of the event, panelists underscored the international importance of expanding the adoption of renewable energy, focused on optimizing the abundant potential of wind power, and phasing out fossil fuels. They also emphasized crucial aspects of executing transition strategies in Japan's industrial sector, the role of finance, and the significance of a Just Transition in the formulation of net-zero policies across generations.