Perspectives on fossil fuels and CCUS/CDR under the long-term goals of Paris Agreement

Abstract

The Paris Agreement has long-term goals of 2 °C and 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, and net-zero emissions in the second half of this century, and the world is seeking deep reductions in emissions including net-zero emissions by around 2050. Meanwhile, global emissions are still increasing, and the emissions gap between the estimated global emissions in 2030 and those under the 2/1.5 °C goals is large. All of the technologies contributing to net zero emissions, such as renewables, nuclear power, CCUS/CDR, and hydrogen-based energy sources, will be required for achieving global net zero emissions. Also in Japan, CCUS will be required as well as large expansions of renewables, nuclear power, and hydrogen-based energy. On the other hand, flexible strategies toward net-zero emissions with good controls of decreasing levels of fossil fuels will be required to avoid carbon leakages from Japan to overseas and to keep a stable energy supply and competitiveness of industries.