Japanese operator Inpex has received approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry to conduct carbon capture and storage (CCS) exploration drilling offshore Chiba Prefecture. This work is part of the Metropolitan CCS project, one of nine government-selected 'Advanced CCS projects'.

Project Scope and Timeline

The project involves drilling two wells, Kujukuri-Oki A and Kujukuri-Oki B, scheduled for completion within this year. The final investment decision is targeted for 2027. The planned initial CO2 injection rate is 1.3 million tonnes per annum, with potential expansion to 5 million tpa. Commercial carbon storage is planned to begin in the early 2030s.

Drilling Operations

The wells will be drilled using a jack-up drilling barge over approximately four and three months, respectively, at depths of 1900 metres and 1600 metres below sea level. Kujukuri-Oki A will be located about five kilometres offshore, with Kujukuri-Oki B drilled 13 kilometres offshore after relocating the barge. Contracting details for the rig are not disclosed.

Geological Targets and Joint Venture

The drilling aims to identify suitable geological formations for CO2 storage. Target formations include the cap rock of the Ohara formation and reservoir and cap rock formations from the Namihana to the Kurotaki formation. The Inpex-Kanto Natural Gas Development joint venture, named Metropolitan CCS and established in February 2025, is the designated drilling operator. Inpex holds an 85% interest, with Kanto holding 15%.

CO2 Source and Transport

The project plans to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources, including the Kimitsu Area of Nippon Steel Corporation’s East Nippon Works and other industries in the Keiyo Industrial Complex. The captured CO2 will be transported via pipeline for offshore storage near Kujukuri.

Path Forward

Inpex stated the joint venture will proceed with operations while conducting studies and engineering work to commercialize the project. This work falls under the "Engineering Design Work for Advanced CCS Projects" initiative commissioned by the Japan Organization for Metals & Energy Security (JOGMEC).