Exploring the Blueprint for a Methanol Society Towards Carbon Neutrality Seminar!

Explore the Blueprint for a Methanol Society Towards Carbon Neutrality

On February 17, 2026, CMC Research will host a significant live-stream seminar titled "Blueprint for a Methanol Society - Towards Carbon Neutrality", led by Professor Junji Nakamura from Kyushu University's International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research. This seminar aims to delve into the pivotal role methanol could play in transforming our energy, chemical, and industrial systems to achieve carbon neutrality.

Key Information

- When: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) from 13:30 to 16:30
- Where: Live on Zoom with a recorded archive available for later viewing
- Fees: 44,000 JPY for general attendees, 39,600 JPY for newsletter subscribers, and 26,400 JPY for academic participants
- Language: Japanese
- Q&A: Participants will have an opportunity to engage directly with the speaker.

Seminar Agenda

The seminar will cover crucial topics, providing insights into:

- The quantitative perspectives necessary for choosing energy carriers.
- Understanding the advantages of a methanol-based society compared to other energy carriers.
- Comprehending the energy efficiency, costs, infrastructure, and distribution required to achieve carbon neutrality.
- The latest global trends regarding methanol energy utilization.
- Detailed knowledge of the business models and roadmaps underpinning a methanol-based industry.

Background Context

As the world grapples with climate change and energy challenges, understanding that climate change fundamentally revolves around energy issues is crucial. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is inevitable, but numerous challenges lie along this journey. The key to carbon neutrality lies in selecting which energy carriers to prioritize. Batteries alone cannot manage the vast energy transportation and storage needs necessary for a sustainable future. Existing technologies must be combined to address global issues, particularly in developing nations. Methanol has emerged as a realistic and sustainable option, with its ability to utilize existing infrastructures and be used broadly.

Methanol can be synthesized from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen, capitalizing on emissions from power plants, steel mills, cement factories, and chemical plants. This process not only allows for capturing CO₂ emissions but also enables the production of methanol using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources. The resultant methanol can then be reused as fuel in combustion engines and fuel cells, facilitating a CO₂–Methanol Circular Economy, which outlines a viable path towards a carbon-neutral society.

Moreover, methanol can be transformed into key chemical components, such as ethylene and propylene, through the Methanol to Olefin (MTO) process, which is vital for the chemical industry. Professor Nakamura, whose research on CO₂ to methanol synthesis catalysts began in 1993, will distill the major themes from his upcoming publication, "Blueprint for a Methanol Society - Toward Carbon Neutrality," set to be released by Springer Nature in November 2025, with the Japanese edition currently in progress.

Participation and Enrollment

We encourage participants from diverse sectors, including corporate representatives (technical, managerial, planning, and public relations), government officials, and those affiliated with higher education institutions, to join us. Topics relevant to the seminar include electricity, energy, automotive, chemistry, steelmaking, cement, electronics, transportation, real estate, and urban development.

For those unable to attend live, the seminar will also feature a limited-time recorded playback option available after the event.

Registration Details

Interested participants can register via CMC Research's seminar site, where further details and the viewing link will be sent via email upon enrollment. Don't miss the chance to engage in this transformative discussion on the future of energy and sustainability!

Conclusion

This seminar is a crucial stepping stone for anyone looking to understand and implement innovative energy solutions. Join us in shaping a sustainable future through the exploration of methanol's role in achieving carbon neutrality.

For additional details and registration, please visit CMC Research.