The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to start a new weekly service by publishing brief summary of the latest information from the Japanese governmental organizations & private companies/organizations. A couple of minutes reading to be informed about what is happening in Japan's policy, economy, EU-Japan relations, and innovation.
*Information is deemed correct at the time of release.
JAPANESE INDUSTRY AND POLICY NEWS
METI explains Fukushima nuclear power plant treated water (ALPS) to diplomatic groups in Tokyo
On November 25, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced that it held a video briefing session for the diplomatic groups in Tokyo regarding the handling of ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. At the briefing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, and TEPCO presented the content of the application for approval of changes to the implementation plan for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, which was submitted by TEPCO to the Nuclear Regulation Authority, and explained the overview of the 2nd IAEA review on the safety of ALPS-treated water, which was conducted from Nov. 14 to 18. METI says it keep on disseminating information on the status of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station to the international community.
METI website: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2022/1125_001.html
ANA, JAXA, etc. GHG measurement from the sky aiming for social implementation
The Japan Energy and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) announced on November 24 that it has signed a business contract with All Nippon Airways for commissioned research on technology to measure greenhouse gases (GHG) from the sky using drones. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which is working with ANA on demonstration verification, will cooperate with this project. Through this survey, they aim to socially implement a "top-down method" that measures GHG from the sky using satellites and drones. By using a top-down approach, comprehensive emission status can be observed at a site or region. In the survey, ANA and JAXA will utilize the know-how of measuring greenhouse gases from aircraft using remote sensing technology, which has been verified for some time. At the same time as working on a method that enables methane measurement on the ground surface without modifying the aircraft, they will also work on a methane measurement method using a top-down method using drones.
JOGMEG website (in Japanese): https://www.jogmec.go.jp/news/release/news_08_00027.html
Joint development of CO2 recovery technology with MHI and ExxonMobil
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) announced on November 30 that its subsidiary, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering has formed a partnership with ExxonMobil, a US oil major, to jointly develop carbon dioxide (CO2) recovery technology. Kansai Electric Power, which has basic technology along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, will also join. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will first license the base technology to ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil is working on a project to inject captured CO2 into geological formations for storage. By adding MHI's technology, which features a high CO2 recovery rate, they aim to further reduce environmental impact and reduce costs. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering has delivered a total of 14 commercial CO2 capture plants to countries around the world, and has a track record of capturing more than 1 million tons of CO2 annually in commercial use.
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES website: https://www.mhi.com/news/22113001.html
Nidec to Execute a Share Transfer Agreement on Italian Machine Tool Manufacturer PAMA and Its Affiliates
Nidec Corporation announced that, the Company passed a resolution on, among others, purchasing the shares of Italian machine tool manufacturer PAMA and its nine affiliates (collectively “PAMA”) (the “Stock Acquisition”) on November 28, 2022 (Japan time). The Company executed a transfer agreement on the Stock Acquisition, etc. on November 30, 2022 (Japan time).
NIDEC website: https://www.nidec.com/en/corporate/news/2022/news1130-01/