Japan has set ambitious decarbonization targets: carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 46% emissions reduction by 2030 (vs. 2013). Achieving these goals hinges on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals—where Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) plays a pivotal role. However, Japan faces two defining constraints: limited domestic geological storage and dispersed industrial emissions. Its strategic response is a dual-track approach: building domestic CCS hubs and establishing international CO₂ export corridors.

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This report outlines Japan’s emerging CCS ecosystem, anchored by nine priority projects under JOGMEC’s 2024 initiative, and benchmarks them against global commercialization models—including Northern Lights (Norway), Greensand (Denmark), HyNet (UK), and Moomba (Australia). The analysis reveals key imperatives and strategic pathways to position Japan as a regional leader in CCS infrastructure and services, distilling actionable insights to guide Japan toward full-scale CCS commercialization.