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Japan and Canada share a need and a commitment to move decisively toward ‘Net Zero’ – an economic future that balances the amount of greenhouse gas produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere.
In this urgent and uphill struggle, the two nations have complementary assets and attributes. Canada has a wealth of energy transition resources and vast scope for remedies such as carbon capture and storage. For its part, Japan has immense technological capabilities and capital resources to invest in new solutions. What’s more, the two nations, direct neighbors across the Pacific, are united by a strong, stable and friendly bilateral relationship.
This is the rationale driving a concerted long-term effort by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan: the Canada-Japan Net Zero Initiative.
Our mission
The Chamber’s Energy Committee was established in the Fall of 2023 as a forum for Canadian and Japanese business and government organizations to explore how our two countries can help each other achieve their net zero goals.
Committee members include both private-sector professionals (e.g. lawyers whose work often involves energy matters) and government representatives, both federal and provincial.
As a committee, and through our events, we focus on a range of topics related to the climate challenge and the energy future. Key topics explored so far include:
Clean energy and critical resources
Canada’s aim to become a supplier of choice to Japan in clean energy and related technologies, focusing on areas such as hydrogen, ammonia and critical minerals.
Critical minerals: Canada is promoting exploration and development of ores required for battery production such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese and copper.
LNG: Canada has built a major liquified natural gas export terminal on the British Columbia coast that is intended as a key source of energy security for Japan in coming years, supporting Japan’s transition away from more carbon-intensive energy sources. Several other LNG terminals are also currently under construction or in final stages of development.
Battery supply chain cooperation
Japan and Canada are cooperating to establish sustainable and reliable battery supply chains, which are crucial for Japan’s transition to electric vehicles and achieving its net-zero goals.
Renewable energy projects
Both countries are exploring opportunities for private-sector investment in renewable energy projects and clean technology in each other’s markets.
Carbon capture & storage
Invest Alberta is working closely with several Japanese companies to identify and help advance opportunities in CO2 injection and storage technologies (CCS), leveraging Alberta’s unique geology for carbon capture.
By pursuing these opportunities for cooperation, Canada can play a significant role in supporting Japan’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Progress so far
Our committee is working closely with the embassy and provincial representatives to provide a wide range of perspectives and timely information on net zero initiatives across Canada.
To develop an engaging program that highlights existing and potential net zero collaboration between Canada and Japan we have consulted Canadian and Japanese market players and government entities. To date we have held two major events at the Canadian Embassy, plus smaller roundtables. We have been delighted by the response to our events, which have all been very well attended.
Our first event, held on March 4, 2024 focused on the hydrogen supply chain and the potential role of Canada as a supplier of next-generation fuels to Japan.
Our second event, on September 18, 2024, focused on critical minerals and opportunities for investment by the Japanese private sector.
What do we plan to do next?
The Net Zero Initiative is intended as a long-term CCCJ undertaking that starts with near-term events focused on issues related to the energy transition. But we hope to lay the groundwork for a long-term effort that continues to involve the CCCJ membership as issues evolve over time.
The aim is to develop opportunities to promote Canadian companies in Japan, Japanese companies in Canada and partnerships between the two.
We are interested in holding a more diverse range of events. But the core concept is to hold one or two larger events every year focused on key areas of bilateral interest, plus smaller, more intimate events that target specific stakeholders.
Where interests align and synergies can be found, we plan to organize joint events with other national chambers in Japan, starting with an event, currently under discussion, in the second half of 2025.
Other events will be held as specific opportunities arise. For example, the Canada-Japan Energy Partnership Forum organized by the Energy for a Secure Future group is the kind of event that we want to support in addition to our independent activities.
Other possible events include hosting energy-related Canadian trade delegations or ministerial visits to Japan. We are always open to opportunities to work with federal and provincial governments, particularly on issues such as hydrogen development and critical minerals.
Why is this important?
Canada’s abundant energy resources, our commitment to renewable energy and our technological capabilities make us a key partner for Japan as it navigates its energy transition and aims for greater energy security. There is strong engagement from businesses in both countries, with Canadian energy companies seeking partnerships with Japanese firms.
For Japan, diversifying energy suppliers is critical to enhanced energy security. Canada offers a stable source of LNG and other fuels that can help Japan mitigate risks from reliance on too few suppliers or regions, and supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and natural disasters.
Canada’s stable political environment and strong bilateral ties with Japan create a firm basis for reliable energy cooperation that can enhance Japan’s energy security.
Canada’s ongoing investments in energy infrastructure (such as pipelines, export terminals and transport systems) will facilitate the delivery of energy to Japan and reduce the likelihood of supply chain disruptions.
Links between Canada and Japan via trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) can further facilitate the seamless exchange of energy resources and technology, contributing to a more resilient energy supply chain.
Both countries are committed to addressing climate change via ambitious emission reduction targets. Cooperation on energy transition projects in Canada can assist Japan in meeting its targets while benefiting Canada through technology exchange and trade opportunities.
Both countries also have interests in advancing clean energy technologies.
Canada is actively engaged in R&D on energy technologies relating to carbon capture & storage (CCS), energy efficiency and smart grid technologies. Collaboration in these areas can help Japan improve its energy systems and reduce emissions.
Canada’s expertise in hydroelectric, wind and solar power, along with Japan’s technological capabilities, can support collaborative efforts toward renewable energy solutions.
Canada’s capabilities in nuclear technology and safety offer scope for collaboration with Japan, as it seeks to safely restart nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster. This partnership can enhance safety protocols and technological advancements in nuclear power generation.
Canada is exploring hydrogen production using its natural resources while Japan is aiming to develop a hydrogen economy. Joint initiatives in hydrogen production, storage and distribution are key aspects of their energy partnership.
Canada is developing LNG projects aimed at exporting gas to Japan and Asian nations. As Japan seeks cleaner fuel sources, LNG exported from British Columbia is seen as a lower-carbon option than LNG from other countries.
Come join us!
If you or your company have an interest in net zero and other energy related issues, please let us know if you would like to attend our future events. Please contact Committee Chair Christian Orton via the CCCJ office.
Christian Orton and Greg Rozitis
CCCJ Energy Committee members
Left to right: Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport; Keith Bradley, COO, Invest Alberta Corporation; Yuriy Humber, President and Founder, Japan NRG; Jeff Pentland, Representative Director, Northleaf Capital; Nicole LeBlanc, Partner, Woven Capital; Peter Armstrong, Partner DLA Piper, Tokyo (moderator)
