A dynamic consortium comprised of NYK, ENEOS, J-POWER, and JX has embarked on a groundbreaking study that could redefine the course of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. At the core of their research lies the marine transportation of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2), an innovative approach poised to play a pivotal role in Japan’s ambitious drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The consortium’s pioneering study focuses on deciphering the practicality and viability of transporting CO2 emissions originating from ENEOS refineries and J-POWER thermal power plants in western Japan to an offshore storage site near Kyushu. The maritime journey will be facilitated by specially designed vessels capable of transporting liquefied CO2.
The strategic partnership between NYK, ENEOS, J-POWER, and JX demonstrates the concerted effort to revolutionize CCS technology and contribute to Japan’s broader sustainability objectives. The consortium’s study, scheduled for completion by 2024, carries the potential to catalyze a paradigm shift in the carbon capture landscape. Should the findings prove favorable, large-scale CO2 transportation and storage projects could materialize as early as 2030.
The importance of the consortium’s initiative resonates deeply in Japan’s commitment to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. As the nation aspires to achieve its net-zero emissions target, the quest for innovative CCS solutions has gained prominence. Carbon capture and storage involve capturing industrial CO2 emissions and storing them underground. Leveraging the ease of transporting and storing liquefied CO2, the maritime transport of this compound offers an encouraging avenue for future CCS endeavors.
NYK, a prominent Japanese shipping company with a rich history in transporting various cargoes, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), has poised itself as a leader in pioneering new shipping technologies. Drawing from its expertise and experience, NYK is primed to assume a pivotal role in realizing the marine transportation of liquefied CO2.
The consortium’s study delves into multiple facets, ranging from the design and construction of liquefied CO2 carriers to the meticulous examination of operational safety and economics. It convenes a team of experts from NYK, ENEOS, J-POWER, and JX, with a shared vision of steering CCS technology towards new horizons.
As the study progresses towards its 2024 completion, the global community watches with anticipation. The outcomes of this endeavor have the potential to reshape the landscape of carbon capture, making it a more viable and effective solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, not only in Japan but across the world.
