Photo/Illutration Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao speaks at a meeting in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Sept. 2 of a panel that has worked out the road map for implementing artificial photosynthesis. (Keitaro Fukuchi)

A government ministry has charted out a road map that sets a 2030 goal for implementing available technologies for artificial photosynthesis, which would convert carbon dioxide into fuel and other products.

Environment Ministry officials said on Sept. 2 that they hope to start the manufacturing of aviation fuel and other products in 2040, helping to fulfill the Japanese government’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050.

Artificial photosynthesis refers to technologies that, like in natural photosynthesis by plants, use sunlight, water and CO2 to generate aircraft fuel, pharmaceuticals and other products.

Technological hurdles, cost considerations and other challenges, however, stand in the way of its practical implementation.

In referring to “electrolytic” technologies for artificial photosynthesis, which rely on energy sources including photovoltaic and other power to break down water and CO2, the road map sets 2030 for implementing part of similar technologies.

In addition, these technologies would be utilized to manufacture products, such as perfumes and other chemicals, in 2035.

On the front of “photocatalytic” technologies, which expose special materials to sunlight underwater to induce chemical reactions, the document set 2035 for putting hydrogen production to practical use and 2040 for manufacturing aviation fuel and other products.

“These goals have been set quite reasonably,” said Kazunari Domen, a leading authority on artificial photosynthesis research, who sits on a panel that worked out the road map and holds the prestigious title of a “university professor” with the University of Tokyo. “The road map is motivative for researchers in this field.”

Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao said, “The Environment Ministry will take the lead in advancing relevant measures, with an eye toward hopefully moving forward the target dates.” 

Asao has long shown an interest, as a politician, in putting artificial photosynthesis to practical use.

For example, he said, during an inaugural news conference as environment minister, that he wants to work on artificial photosynthesis as a national project of Japan.

The panel that worked out the road map had been set up at Asao’s initiative.

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