Water splitting photocatalyst panels lined up in experimental plants (Kakioka Education and Research Facility, University of Tokyo, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
In 2030, Mitsubishi Chemical, Toyota Motor Corporation, the University of Tokyo, etc. will carry out a large-scale demonstration experiment of "artificial photosynthesis," a new technology for producing chemical raw materials using sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO2). First, the hydrogen production cost will be reduced to the same level as the petroleum-derived method. This technology can produce chemical raw materials without relying on petroleum, and is said to be the trump card for decarbonization technology. Accelerate research and development in industry, government and academia, aiming for practical use by 40 years.
In photosynthesis, plants use sunlight to make organic matter from water and CO2. Artificial photosynthesis artificially performs this photosynthesis. Hydrogen is extracted from water using sunlight, and the hydrogen reacts with CO2 to make substances that can be used for industrial purposes, such as plastic raw materials. Domestic companies and research institutes have leading patents on artificial photosynthesis, and Japan is drawing attention as a world-leading technology.
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has decided to provide about 30 billion yen over the next 10 years. Double the amount of support from the predecessor 10-year project. The "Artificial Photosynthesis Chemical Process Technology Research Association" consisting of Mitsubishi Chemi, INPEX, Mitsui Chemicals, etc. and the University of Tokyo will be the main research and development. From this time, many different industries such as Toyota and Nippon Steel will participate and bring their knowledge to develop "All Japan".
