Metropolitan CCS has begun drilling the Kujukuri-Oki J-1 well, the first appraisal well of the Metropolitan Area CCS Project, located off the coast of Kujukuri in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture. The drilling will determine whether the area’s geological formations are suitable for safely storing carbon dioxide over long periods.
Furthermore, the joint venture comprised of INPEX Corporation and Kanto Natural Gas Development Co., Ltd. commenced operations on July 6 after obtaining authorization from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in April 2026 and completing preparatory activities for drilling.
The well will assess the geological storage potential of CO₂
Located approximately five kilometers offshore from Kujukuri, the Kujukuri-Oki J-1 well will provide essential geological information to determine the subsurface’s capacity to store carbon.
Subsequently, Metropolitan CCS will incorporate the results obtained along with the information from the future Kujukuri-Oki J-2 well, which will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the underground CO₂ storage potential in the area.
The studies are part of the development of an infrastructure intended to support carbon capture and storage projects that contribute to the reduction of industrial emissions in Japan.
Project focused on industrial decarbonization
The Metropolitan Area CCS Project envisions capturing CO₂ generated by various industrial facilities, including Nippon Steel’s East Nippon Works plants and other industries in the Keiyo industrial complex.
Afterwards, the carbon dioxide will be transported via a network of gas pipelines to the marine area off Kujukuri where it will be stored in deep geological formations designed for long-term containment.
Currently, the initiative is progressing within the engineering work program for advanced CCS projects commissioned by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), with the goal of starting commercial storage operations during the early years of the 2030s.
Communication with local communities
Likewise, in June 2026, Metropolitan CCS inaugurated the Umi to Mirai – CCS Communication Center, a space intended to disseminate the operation of carbon capture and storage technologies and strengthen dialogue with residents, fishing organizations and local authorities.
The company indicated that it will continue drilling operations prioritizing safety while developing the necessary technical and engineering studies to move forward with the project’s implementation.
Source: Inpex
Photo: Shutterstock
