On September 25, NEDO and METI held the first International Conference on Carbon Recycling 2019 at Hotel New Otani, Tokyo.

In February 2019 the Japanese government embraced the concept of carbon recycling to recognize CO2 as a source of carbon and collect and reuse it as various carbon compounds. It is well expected from both sides of contribution to the climate change solution and the stable procurement of new resources.

The conference is deemed to have an aim to deepen knowledge with the participation by the industrial and academic people concerned in the major countries of the world. It will make the first international conference for the carbon recycle concept.

In the opening session Isshu Sugawara Minister of METI made a kickoff declaration of international collaboration for carbon recycling, saying “Based on the road map of carbon recycle technologies announced to the public in G20 in June, we have today unveiled the Carbon Recycle 3C Initiatives so that we may make progress of innovation in collaboration with all countries. It stands for promotion of mutual exchanges (Caravan), the provision of verification research base (Center of Research) and the promotion of international joint research (Collaboration). We wish to go ahead joining hands together firm with the 15 countries and the two international organizations which have attended this conference. We have just signed a memorandum of collaboration with Minister Mattheq Canavan for the Department of Australia.”

After taking a commemorative photo with the ministers of the attending countries, the ministers and delegates from the attending countries had sessions. The representatives of Australia, Burney, Pakistan, Vietnam and Norway explained the subsidization of their governments as well as their engagements with mainly CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) and CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage).

From Japan the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy explained the road map of carbon recycling technologies. From the industrial fields Hitachi Shipbuilding introduced the development of methanation technology of exhausted carbon dioxide, while Mitsubishi Chemical described its artificial photosynthesizing project.