Climate change demands urgent action. One of the keys to paving the way toward carbon neutrality is choosing the right energy carrier to store, transport, and use energy. Among the options under consideration, including hydrogen and ammonia, methanol stands out as the most practical and promising molecule. Produced from CO₂ and hydrogen derived from renewable energy, methanol serves as both a fuel and a chemical feedstock, enabling the circular use of carbon and hydrogen. Methanol Energy System Japan (MESJ) aims to place methanol at the heart of next-generation energy carriers and work with industry, government, and research institutions to build a carbon-neutral society through practical, achievable solutions.
Toward a Methanol-Based Carbon-Neutral Society
Mission
Methanol Energy System Japan (MESJ) is an independent platform for research, policy proposals, and industry collaboration, aiming to promote the social implementation of a carbon-neutral energy system centered on methanol.
Addressing climate change requires not only the large-scale introduction of renewable energy, but also practical energy carriers that can store, transport, and utilize that energy. Based on many years of research in catalysis, surface science, and energy conversion, MESJ proposes realistic solutions for CO₂ reduction in collaboration with industry, government, research institutions, and international organizations.
Vision
MESJ envisions a circular society in which methanol produced from CO₂ and renewable energy is utilized as a fuel, a source for power generation, a chemical feedstock, and an energy carrier for transportation and storage.
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, we cannot simply wait for “dream technologies” to emerge. Instead, we must combine existing technologies and scale them up in forms that can be socially implemented. Because methanol is a liquid under ambient conditions and is highly compatible with existing fuel, chemical, and logistics infrastructure, it has great potential as a synthetic fuel and energy carrier that can be used on a global scale.
Based on scientific data and industrial perspectives, MESJ presents a roadmap toward a methanol-based carbon-neutral society and promotes its social implementation through collaboration with companies, government organizations, and research institutions.
Our Uniqueness
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A Knowledge Platform Emphasizing Industry Collaboration
MESJ promotes collaboration across diverse industrial sectors, including chemicals, energy, electric power, gas, trading companies, plant engineering, heavy industry, shipping, automotive, and CO₂ capture-related businesses. -
Activities with a View toward International Development
Methanol also has great potential as an international energy carrier. Through collaboration with companies, research institutions, and international organizations in Japan and abroad, MESJ explores the potential of a methanol-based society from a global perspective. -
Continuous Information Sharing through Seminars, Videos, and Publications
Through monthly seminars, lecture videos, and publications, MESJ provides opportunities for companies, government organizations, and researchers to learn about and discuss practical challenges related to carbon neutrality.
Activities
1. Monthly Carbon Neutrality and Methanol Seminar
MESJ organizes monthly seminars on the technologies, policies, industrial trends, and international developments necessary for building a methanol-based society.
Based on the content of the book Blueprint for a Methanol Society, the lectures will systematically cover topics such as CO₂ capture, renewable energy, methanol synthesis, fuel applications, power generation, the chemical industry, and policy challenges. Each lecture will be followed by a discussion session to promote exchange among companies, researchers, and government officials.
2. Industrial and Technological Showcase
MESJ presents technologies, corporate activities, demonstration projects, and international trends related to the realization of a methanol-based society.
This showcase will highlight relevant technologies and business opportunities in areas such as CO₂ capture, green hydrogen, methanol synthesis, e-methanol, marine fuels, power generation systems, and chemical production.
3. Formation of an Industry Consortium
MESJ provides a forum where companies, research institutions, and government-related organizations interested in a methanol-based carbon-neutral society can engage in continuous dialogue. In the future, MESJ aims to develop this forum into an industry consortium that will share technical challenges, conduct joint studies, develop policy proposals, and explore demonstration projects.
4. Policy Proposals and Roadmap Development
Based on scientific data and quantitative analysis, MESJ develops policy proposals and roadmaps for utilizing methanol as an energy carrier. By comparing methanol with other options such as hydrogen, ammonia, batteries, and CCS, MESJ will present realistic and implementable strategies for achieving carbon neutrality.
5. Publications and Video-Based Outreach
MESJ communicates the concept of a methanol-based society both in Japan and internationally through academic books, books for general readers, lecture videos, and short explanatory videos. MESJ will gradually develop advanced information services for experts and companies, as well as educational outreach activities for general citizens and students.