Assessment of CO 2 Emission Reduction Strategies for the Japanese Petrochemical Industry

Abstract: This article analyzes the possibilities for reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the life cycle of Japanese petrochemicals, focusing primarily on the nonenergy use of fossil fuels. For this purpose a linear programming model called CHEAP (CHemical industry Environmental strategy Analysis Program) has been developed. The results show a moderate autonomous growth of emissions by 5% in the period 2000 to 2020, if it is assumed that no new technology is introduced and demand (measured in physical units) increases 1% per year, on average. However, if it is assumed that ongoing technology development succeeds, emissions in 2020 may decrease by 5% from 2000 levels (a decrease of 10% compared to the case that assumes no new technology). This is a significant contribution to emission reduction. According to this model, a further emission reduction by 10% in 2020 is possible but costly as it requires emission reduction incentives of up to 10,000 yen per ton CO₂ (approximately 100 US/ton). The use of biomass feed-stocks, waste recycling, energy recovery from waste and gas-based co-generation are the main strategies for achieving this emission reduction.