Key Legal Points and Risk Management in CCS Business Law Implementation

Seminar Overview: Key Legal Points and Risk Management in CCS

On September 3, 2026, the Japan Planning Institute (JPI) is hosting a crucial seminar focused on the comprehensive implementation of the CCS Business Law. The event will feature Mr. Yoshitaka Otsuki, Special Counsel at Anderson, Mori & Tomotsune Law Office, who will guide attendees through the significant legal topics and risk management strategies that are central to the CCS business landscape.

Key Topics of Discussion

Understanding CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)

CCS has been positioned as a critical measure for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Japan is making strides toward a fully operational CCS framework, backed by essential legislation governing storage and exploration rights, operational responsibilities, and risk management considerations.

Legal Architecture of the CCS Business Law

The CCS Business Law, fully enacted on May 22, 2026, establishes fundamental legal frameworks necessary for commercial CCS operations, including the rights to storage, obligations for monitoring, and national transition protocols.

In this seminar, we will systematically outline the provisions of the CCS Business Law, discuss its legislative intent, and highlight practical implications for enterprises moving forward with CCS projects.

Practical Insights for Participants

Participants will gain valuable insights into various legal areas, including:

- Differences between Storage Rights and Exploration Rights: Understanding the key distinctions and the requirements for obtaining necessary permits.
- Long-term Liability and Monitoring: A comprehensive breakdown of long-term responsibilities, including funding contributions, and protocols for monitoring CO₂.
- Contractual Risk Management: Design and distribution of risks associated with third-party access, CO₂ leakage, and relevant sections of the CCS Business Act.

Target Audience

This seminar is particularly relevant for:

- CCS/CCUS business operators, oil and natural gas, and energy development companies
- Sectors focused on decarbonization including power, gas, steel, chemicals, and cement
- Departments specializing in corporate planning, new business, development, legal affairs, risk management, and compliance
- Financial institutions, trading firms, and engineering companies involved in investment and project management.

Complete Seminar Structure

1. Background of CCS Business Law: Overview of Japan's progress toward carbon neutrality and the history leading to the enactment of the CCS Business Law.
2. Legal Nature of Storage Rights: Discussion on the positioning of these rights and their implications in commercial frameworks.
3. Permit Systems and Standards: Guidelines detailing the requirements and evaluation points for obtaining necessary permits defined by the CCS Business Law and Ministry of Economy's interpretations.
4. Monitoring Obligations: Required CO₂ monitoring protocols and their implications for business operations.
5. Decommissioning Processes: Procedures for concluding storage activities and transitioning responsibilities to the state.
6. Third-Party Access: Examination of the third-party utilization system and its potential effects on CCS infrastructure development.
7. Safety Protocols: Overview of safety management systems necessary for compliance.
8. Liability and Contractual Influences: Analyzing potential liabilities arising from incidents like CO₂ leakage and their impact on contract practices.
9. Q&A Session: Opportunity to engage directly with the speaker and gain further clarity on the discussed topics.
10. Networking Opportunity: A session for attendees to exchange business cards and foster connections.

Registration and Pricing

- Onsite Participation: The fee is 37,880 yen (including tax), with a reduced rate of 32,880 yen for additional participants from the same organization.
- Live Streaming: Participants can also opt for live streaming of the seminar.
- Archive Access: Optional archiving will be available for participants post-event.

To learn more and register for the seminar, please visit JPI Seminar Registration.

The JPI has been a pivotal entity in bridging knowledge among government, management, and citizen sectors for over half a century, continuing to provide vital insights into national policy and project implementations.