Sumitomo Corporation, Toho Gas, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha,  and Woodside Energy have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to jointly conduct a feasibility study to establish a CCS value chain between Australia and Japan.

This study is to investigate the feasibility of establishing an entire CCS value chain among the four companies, whereby CO₂ emissions from various industries and companies in the Chubu region, Japan, are hoped to be captured/accumulated, and liquefied by using such technology as CO₂ separation and capture using unutilized LNG Cryogenic Energy” being developed by Toho Gas and transported to Australia by a low-temperature, low-pressure liquefied CO₂ carrier for injection/storage at Australian storage site. Through this study, we will estimate the amount of CO2 to be captured, examine the optimal CO₂ capture, accumulation and transportation methods, estimate the amount of CO2 that can be stored at storage sites in Australia, evaluate the necessary storage technologies and monitoring systems. In addition to the technical requirements, we will assess the relevant regulatory frameworks and the costs in each segment of the CCS value chain. The four companies aim to work together to assess the commercial viability of the CCS business.

The Japanese government has set a goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to Net Zero by 2050 and implemented a policy to develop a business environment to initiate CCS projects by 2030 in its “Basic Policy for the Realization of GX”. CCS is expected to play a very important role in achieving GHG emission reduction targets as one of the primary decarbonization solutions.

Sumitomo Corporation, Toho Gas, “K” LINE, and Woodside plan to exchange information, knowledge, and experiences through the progression of this CCS initiative.