METI and the Government of British Columbia, Canada Confirmed Cooperation in the Fields of Energy and R&D

Ms. Ota, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Premier Eby of the Province of British Columbia (BC) exchanged views on specific cooperation between METI and BC, and as a result, the following details were confirmed by both parties. BC is also expected to issue a news release with the same language.

BC has a wealth of energy and mineral resources, and its geographical location reinforces its strong trade ties with Japan and across Asia. METI and BC, hereinafter referred to as “both parties”, shared the understanding that it is important to promote various and practical energy transitions according to each jurisdiction's circumstances and deepen cooperation in the energy sector in order to strengthen energy security and achieve carbon neutrality. To this end, both parties discussed their energy transition plans through utilizing diverse technologies and energy sources such as renewable energy, energy conservation, hydrogen/ammonia, and CCUS/carbon recycling.

Both parties confirmed they would continue to discuss elements around the permitting process in BC and promote meaningful engagement with the First Nations communities, especially regarding development projects in the energy and mineral resources sectors. BC also confirmed that it welcomes Japanese investments and that it will continue to facilitate smooth progress of projects. 

Both parties shared the importance of ensuring their collaboration on LNG investment and gas development, including LNG Canada, is aligned with respective climate goals and plans to achieve carbon neutrality. BC also noted that LNG development in the province must conform with its new energy framework.

Both parties welcomed the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Mutual Cooperation between the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and BC, and confirmed their further cooperation in exploration of potential business opportunities in relation to natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia, CCUS, metallurgical coal and mineral resources in BC, as well as the development of related technologies under the MOU.

Both parties have confirmed their support for business collaboration in the area of clean technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell research and development, in light of the need for decarbonization in the energy supply chain. 

BC is designated the Super-cluster in digital technology by the Canadian federal government, and many Japanese companies have established operations in the province. Both parties confirmed they would continue to closely exchange information and stimulate collaboration between Japanese and BC companies and research institutions by deepening R&D cooperation in advanced technologies such as AI and quantum, thereby contributing to the advancement of industrial technologies. 

Mitacs (an NGO headquartered in BC), which supports industry-academia joint research utilizing public funds, and Collaborative Education for Next-Generation INnovators & Exploration of knowledge intersections (C-ENGINE, a general incorporated association headquartered in Kyoto, Japan) are exploring the possibility of collaboration to establish a framework for more advanced R&D talent exchange between Japan and Canada. METI and BC shared the importance of international industry-academia collaboration through the exchange of R&D talent, and confirmed their support for information exchange between both organizations to promote the creation of opportunities for cross-border talent development.

Division in Charge

Americas Division, Trade Policy Bureau