GPHEF - Japan

Program organized by the ISGP in cooperation with and support from AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA), and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A)

Introduction: The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21st century are now important tools in confronting the transformational challenges posed by (i) changes in lifestyles caused by climate transformations, (ii) rapid evolutions of global energy systems, and (iii) impacts on human health caused by pandemic infectious diseases. These dynamic, disruptive challenges, among others, are reshaping geopolitical, security, and economic systems worldwide. Addressing these complex, interconnected, real-world challenges relies on the functioning of a reliable, stable energy system that encompasses environmentally compatible demands shaping our turbulent times. An accurate, critical evaluation of hydrogen energy is now essential.

ISGP-GPHEF Program: The program is designed to conduct this critical evaluation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders who are implementing different aspects of the hydrogen economy in multiple, integrated, in-person conferences. These invitation-only conferences, conducted under the Chatham House Rule (no attribution), use the unusual, if not unique, debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP to promote candid, productive debates and caucuses to identify areas of consensus (AoC), evidence-based options (EBO), and actionable next steps (ANS) focused on supporting real-world decisions. Effectively introducing a new global energy source (e.g., hydrogen) on the global stage depends on accurate analysis, critical debate, and comprehensive decision-making encompassing (i) emerging technology, (ii) real-world scalability, (iii) practical economic planning, and (iv) integrated policy options supporting realistic outcomes, all elements within the ISGP-GPHEF program structure. It is anticipated that the first ISGP-GPHEF conference will be convened in the spring of 2022.

GPHEF - Japan Program: Amid global energy transitions, established and emerging technological options are being evaluated, developed, and implemented to meet societal energy needs and address significant environmental changes being observed, and reasonably anticipated, throughout all global communities. Hydrogen energy technologies offer potentially important options for reducing global carbon emissions and addressing challenges faced by current global energy systems. The ISGP GPHEF program is a multi-year program that gathers subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers to assess the economic viability and environmental impacts associated with hydrogen energy production, storage, and usage. Focus is given to identifying realistic, scientifically credible, and broadly supported actionable next steps for incorporating hydrogen within global energy systems designed to enhance energy sustainability dependent on resilience, accessibility, and safety. These transitions need to be compatible with local, regional, national, and global decarbonization strategies. The rapid changes in environments place urgency on these decisions not historically encountered in the previous development of major technological transitions. The overall ISGP GPHEF program is developed in cooperation with energy systems stakeholders from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The invitation-only ISGP GPHEF-Japan Conference is the second conference of the ISGP GPHEF program, and is organized, convened, and facilitated by the ISGP in cooperation with and support from the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA), and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A). The ISGP “Consultative Meeting”and “Critical Debate/Extended Caucus” format, pioneered under the leadership of Dr. George Atkinson, ISGP founder and Executive Director, has effectively addressed a wide range of societal challenges (scienceforglobalpolicy.org) The ISGP GPHEF-Japan program gathers distinguished leaders from government, private sector, and public advocacy communities worldwide to identify the needs and priorities, both individual and shared, of diverse communities to critique the potential roles that hydrogen energy may play in the future of sustainable energy systems.

The current transitions in the global energy system encompass production, transportation, and usage and have focused on how to integrate renewable energy sources while continuing to meet the immediate needs for energy historically derived from fossil fuels. The introduction of hydrogen energy has become a central topic in these transitions, and communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region are advancing the development and implementation of hydrogen technologies to meet their needs, reduce the environmental impacts of energy systems, and reduce reliance on imported fuels. The potential incorporation of hydrogen energy into the global energy system requires a comprehensive review and critical assessment examining how to integrate different technological options, economic planning, and policy directions while recognizing the diverse local, regional, and national priorities found worldwide.

The ISGP GPHEF-Japan consultative meetings and debate/caucus conferences are convened using both internet platforms and in-person venues over multiple days. Written position papers prepared by internationally recognized subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers are used to initiate candid discussions, debates, and caucuses focused on identifying and prioritizing Areas of Consensus, Evidence-Based Options, and Actionable Next Steps.

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Key Participants: The ISGP-GPHEF agenda rests on credible scientific understanding and evidence-based technological options garnered from hundreds of confidential interviews of internationally recognized subject-matter experts, private sector stakeholders, senior governmental leaders, and public advocates. While an Informal Advisory Panel - Japan (IAPJ) is routinely consulted, the ISGP remains responsible for all ISGP-GPHEF conference invitations.

ISGP GPHEF - Japan: Informal Advisory Panel - Japan

Co-chairs:

Dr. George Atkinson, Founder and Executive Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP); former Science and Technology Adviser (STAS) to U.S. Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice

Mr. Masakazu Toyoda: Chairman and CEO, Japan Economic Foundation (JEF); Outside director, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.; former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ); former Secretary General, Secretariat of Headquarters for Space Policy, Japan; former Special Adviser on Climate Change and Vice Minister for International Affairs, Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry

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Dr. Keigo Akimoto, Chief Researcher, RITE (Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth)

Mr. Ryosuke Fujioka, Chief Deputy Director in International Affairs Division, Agency of Natural Resources and Energy at Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)

Mr. Hiroshi Fukushima, Director, Senior Managing Officer and General Manager, Technology & Engineering Division Iwatani R&D Center, Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center; Chairman of Planning and Operation Committee, Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A)

Ms. Yukari Hino, Director, Advanced Energy Systems & Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Strategy Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Mr. Motoichi Kato, Deputy Secretary-General, Clean Fuel Ammonia Association (CFAA)

Dr. Katsuhiko Hirose, CEO, HyWealth Co; former Chief Engineer, Toyota Corporation

Mr. Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Senior Economist, Manager, CCUS Group, Fossil Energies & International Cooperation Unit

Mr. Sam Muraki, Representative Director, Clean Fuel Ammonia Association; Regional Vice Chair, Asia Pacific and South Asia, of World Energy Council; Executive Adviser, Tokyo Gas Co, Ltd.; former Senior Executive Officer and CTO at Gas Resources Dept.

Mr. Norihiko Saeki, Executive Director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Special Advisor to Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Dr. Kazunari Sasaki, Distinguished Professor, Hydrogen Utilization Engineering, Kyushu University

Mr. Takeshi Soda, Director, Oil and Natural Gas Division, International Carbon Neutral Policy Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI); former director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Mr. Masashi Watanabe, Director for Fuel Ammonia, Petroleum and LNG Policy, Agency for Natural Resource and Energy, METI

Policy Position papers