ITO Tadashi, a seasoned professional with a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, boasts over 30 years of expertise at CHIYODA Corporation, a leading Japanese engineering firm. Specializing in environmental engineering, he has played pivotal roles in wastewater treatment, flue gas cleaning, and hydrogen projects, with a strong focus on climate change mitigation. Recent years have seen him spearheading Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiatives, addressing critical environmental challenges. In April, Tadashi transitioned to Intellectual Property, leveraging his extensive background in strategic management within the organization.
In an interview with Environmental Business Review APAC, ITO Tadashi shares his insights on the challenges, latest technology, and trends in the carbon emission field.
Can you give us a brief background about your roles in the organization for which you've been working?
I have a Environmental Engineering master’s degree and graduated from the Environmental Engineering department. After completing my Master's, I embarked on a career with CHIYODA Corporation, a prominent engineering firm based in Japan.
Over 30 years at CHIYODA, my focus has been on environmental concerns, specifically wastewater treatment, flue gas cleaning, and hydrogen-related projects. Throughout my career, I have taken on key roles in addressing environmental challenges, with a significant emphasis on climate change mitigation.
Developing a comprehensive supply chain is the key challenge in reducing carbon emissions, bridging the gap from feedstock to consumer.
In recent years, my responsibilities have centered around Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), playing a crucial role in both business and technology development related to CCUS initiatives with the partners. This has positioned me at the forefront of addressing the pressing environmental issues associated with climate change.
Starting in April, I transitioned to the Intellectual Property section, where I oversee intellectual property matters. Based on the experience to establish decarbonization strategy and to execute it, I am now doing the equivalent in the field of intellectual property. This shift in focus aligns with my wealth of experience in environmental engineering and CCUS, allowing me to contribute to the strategic management of intellectual property within the organization.
What are some of the most significant challenges in reducing carbon emissions?
Before delving into Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), the business model justifying these ventures remains unclear. Particularly in carbon capture and utilization, a substantial amount of hydrogen is required, available in green or blue hydrogen forms. However, these hydrogen plans aren't standalone businesses.
A supply chain must be developed to establish a functional process linking renewable energy or carbon capture and storage to producing blue or green hydrogen. Subsequently, the imported hydrogen serves as a feedstock for our CCU technology, creating end products. Following this production, the challenge extends to marketing and selling these products, with the added complexity of consumer acceptance despite potentially higher prices than conventional fossil fuel-derived alternatives like fuels or chemicals.
The major challenge lies in developing a comprehensive supply chain that spans from the initial feedstock to the end consumer.
Which technologies or strategies are most promising for companies to reduce carbon emissions?
I see a lot of promising technologies and strategies, especially concerning carbon utilization (CCU). Technologies like producing paraxylene, a key intermediate for making polyester and clothing, are being developed by my team and show great potential.
In some cases, underground storage for carbon capture and storage (CCS) is also promising. For instance, CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is proven to work well in certain oil fields, making it a reliable technology. When EOR technology is applied to CO2 underground storage, the reliability varies depending on the site. Careful site selection is crucial. Despite this, carbon capture and storage can be a promising technology if we choose sites wisely.
From a strategic standpoint, these technologies often align well with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Treaty. Some countries have included CCS in their NDC, indicating its potential as a promising strategy.
What are some opportunities companies might reap once they implement policies reducing carbon emissions?
One of the significant opportunities in the USA lies in the Inflation Reduction Act, and we aspire to be part of the related initiatives. However, achieving public acceptance is a paramount challenge. Establishing awareness is crucial, and I am meticulous in avoiding doubts about greenwashing. The problem lies in the ambiguous definition of what is truly "green" and what isn't. This ambiguity poses a considerable challenge and is a source of concern.
As someone working to establish business and technology in this field, obtaining public acceptance hinges on a clear definition of greenwashing. This is a key factor for effectively disseminating Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology.
What is your advice for budding professionals in the field?
Engineering capabilities for fossil resources are very often applicable for climate change technologies. Therefore please do not hesitate to learn them.
In order to develop the new business, there are many fields with many jobs along with the supply chain. It is important that the different experts should work with the shared target in collaborative manner because the supply chain is complex. This is something I sincerely hope for.
