Research

We conduct researches on designing future energy and social systems for the climate change mitigation and decarbonization based on mathematical programming and computer simulation.
Our focus range from global to regional scales, and also analyze individual energy technologies and sectors.
The research outcome contributes to not only in academic knowledges but also the energy and climate policies by the national and local governments.

1. Modeling of global and national energy systems

We are developing an energy system model called AIM-Technology.
We also use this model to evaluate energy systems and costs for achieving mid- to long-term decarbonizatoin goals such as Japan’s 2050 net-zero emissions target and global 2°C and 1.5°C goals.

2. Energy system analysis and evaluation of energy technologies

Using AIM-Technology-Global, which divides the world into approximately 30 regions, we conduct energy system analysis under climate change mitigation scenarios such as the 1.5°C and 2°C targets.
Examples
- Evaluation of hydrogen and ammonia co-firing in power generation
  - Paper published in Nature Communications
- Assessment on carbon capture and Utilization and e-fuels
  - Paper published in One Earth
- Assessment of hydrogen in various energy demand sectors
  - Paper published in Applied Energy

3. Energy system analysis and evaluation of national greenhouse gas reduction targets

Using an energy system model that divides Japan into 10 regions, we evaluate the transition of energy systems toward mid-term targets such as net-zero emissions by 2050 and 2030.
- Paper published in Energy and Climate Change
Applications to regional energy systems and regional decarbonization research, such as analyses targeting Hokkaido, are also possible.
Applications to several countries are also expected. Based on our global model, national analysis such as for Korea, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam, are possible.

4. Evaluation of Solar and Wind Power Supply Potential

By using meteorological and geospatial dataset, we evaluate the hourly power supply potential of solar and wind power generation.
Research applications are possible, such as evaluations considering changes in solar radiation and wind conditions due to future climate change impacts and ecosystem conservation.