Towards a Green Horizon: Japan's Journey to Carbon Neutrality | JICA Chair Programme 2024/25 Lecture II

The University of Colombo launched its JICA Chair Programme Lecture Series with a special lecture by Professor Takeo Kikkawa, President of the International University of Japan, on September 18, 2024. The lecture, titled Towards a Green Horizon: Japan’s Journey to Carbon Neutrality, focused on Japan’s energy policy and its goal of becoming carbon neutral.

Professor Kikkawa explained Japan’s “S+3E” approach to energy policy, which stands for Safety, Economic Efficiency, Environment, and Energy Security. He talked about Japan’s reliance on Russian energy, the impact of the Ukraine crisis, and the need for Japan to increase its use of renewable energy to become more self-sufficient. He also discussed Japan’s plan to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of renewable energy, nuclear power, and new technologies like hydrogen and ammonia. Innovation and cost reduction in areas like offshore wind power were also seen as key steps in Japan’s energy transition.
The event started with a welcome speech by Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University, followed by remarks from Mr Yamada Tetsuya, the Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka. After the lecture, there was an engaging Q&A session led by Senior Professor Deepthi Wickramsinghe, where participants discussed the future of energy and environmental policies.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, thanked JICA and Professor Kikkawa for starting the lecture series with such an important and timely topic. The JICA Chair Programme at the University of Colombo aims to create ongoing discussions and knowledge sharing between Japan and Sri Lanka on major global issues, with this first lecture setting a high standard for future events.