#Carbon Neutrality #Japan #Tokyo #CMC Research #Methanol Society

Join the Seminar on Methanol Society and Carbon Neutrality

On June 24, 2026, CMC Research will host a live online seminar titled 'Blueprint for a Methanol Society: Toward Carbon Neutrality.' This event will explore the pivotal role methanol can play in achieving a carbon-neutral society, emphasizing its advantages over other energy carriers.

Event Details

• - Date: June 24, 2026
• - Time: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (JST)
• - Format: Live Zoom session with a recording available for later viewing
• - Speaker: Junji Nakamura, Guest Professor at Hokkaido University’s Catalysis Research Center
• - Registration Fees: 44,000 yen (general), 39,600 yen (newsletter subscribers), and 26,400 yen (academic)

Seminar Overview

The seminar focuses on the urgent need to address climate change through innovative energy solutions. With the world facing complications from climate change, it is crucial to recognize that these issues fundamentally stem from energy use. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential, yet it comes with a myriad of challenges. The key to carbon neutrality lies in selecting the right energy carrier.

While batteries cannot handle the immense energy transport and storage required, methanol stands out as a viable option. This seminar will analyze how existing infrastructure can support a 'CO2-Methanol Circular Society, where carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial processes can be converted back into usable methanol, facilitating a closed-loop energy system.

Learning Opportunities

Participants will gain quantitative insights into energy carrier selection, understand methanol's advantages versus other energy options, and familiarize themselves with the critical energy efficiency, infrastructure, cost, and distribution volume necessary for achieving carbon neutrality. Additionally, the latest global trends in methanol energy use will be discussed, along with practical business models and roadmaps incorporating methanol.

Target Audience

This seminar is designed for professionals in various sectors, including:

• - Technology, management, planning, and public relations from corporate entities
• - Government officials
• - Members of higher education institutions

Key industries relevant to this seminar include: power and energy, automotive, chemicals, steel, cement, electronics, transportation, real estate, and urban development.

Seminar Agenda

I. What are the issues surrounding global warming?
1. Global warming and CO₂ emissions: Evidence and misconceptions
2. The energy dilemma: Energy use and climate change challenges
3. Industry challenges: Current state of steel, cement, chemical, and plastic waste industries
4. Policy challenges: Insights into major countries' policies, excessive reliance on technology, and overlooked cost awareness

II. Where should we head? - Understanding a Methanol Society
5. The rationale for a methanol society: CO₂-methanol loop and economic feasibility
6. Utilizing methanol for energy: Applications in internal combustion engines and fuel cells
7. Methanol's role in the chemical industry and the future of catalytic technology
8. Progress in establishing a methanol society: Trends in major countries, CCUS, and hydrogen production technologies

III. What should we do? - Business, Policy, Education, and Ethics
9. Roadmaps for the methanol society and industrial development (2025-2050)
10. Required technologies: Methanol engines, formic acid carriers, and renewable hydrogen production
11. Scientific underpinnings: Mechanisms of Cu/ZnO catalysts and strategies for cost reduction
12. Reflections on the future: Civic movements, model cities, and the spirit of 'Mottainai.'

About the Speaker

Junji Nakamura is a distinguished expert in catalyst surface science, currently serving as a Guest Professor at Hokkaido University’s Catalysis Research Center. His research focuses on carbon catalysts for fuel cells and methanol synthesis from CO₂.

This seminar is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of critical energy solutions leading toward a sustainable future. We invite you to participate in this enlightening event and engage in discussions about the future of energy and carbon neutrality.

Register Here for the Seminar**