Japan’s gas industry has revised its 2050 net zero plan to adopt a more flexible approach that allows for increased use of natural gas combined with carbon capture and other decarbonization technologies.
The Japan Gas Association now aims for 50-90% of its gas supply by 2050 to come from e-methane or biogas, with the remaining 10-50% sourced from natural gas paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS), carbon capture and utilization, or forest absorption methods.
This marks a shift from the earlier 2021 target of 90% e-methane, 5% biogas, and 5% hydrogen by 2050.
The change reflects uncertainties in global energy supply and demand, advances in technology and cost reductions, and recognition of challenges in scaling hydrogen use, as seen in Europe.
The association’s chair, Takashi Uchida, emphasized that the goal is carbon neutrality through a variety of methods rather than limiting e-methane to 50%.
The Japanese government has not requested additional LNG imports from the U.S., and there is no clear strategy yet regarding the Alaska LNG project.
This approach aligns with Japan’s broader energy strategy, which includes near-zero emissions from thermal power by 2040 through hydrogen, ammonia fuels, and CCS, although these technologies remain costly and not yet fully established.
Major Japanese energy companies like Eneos are also increasing investments in LNG and carbon capture technologies while slowing hydrogen initiatives, reflecting the current energy transition landscape in Japan.