Koji Yamamoto

Koji YAMAMOTO is the Senior Vice President of Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in charge of Technologies of Energy Business Unit. He received a Ph.D at Tohoku University in 2004 with studies on acoustic, reservoir geomechanics and numerical modelling. He made his carrier in a private consulting firm and current Governmental organization and has worked for many R&D projects to solve problems happening in petroleum field developments. The Middle East is one of his core interest areas and was involved in many projects in UAE and other countries. Recently he is extending his work to the development of low carbon fuel projects including blue hydrogen and ammonia and managing teams working on several multi-national and international cooperation projects. He also teaches technical topics in Kyoto and Kyushu Universities and was appointed to an Asia-Pacific Regional Director of Society of Petroleum Engineers, recently.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

13:05

Hydrogen Conference Room A 13:05 - 13:45

Driving hydrogen forward: technology, standards and a level playing field

Hydrogen has the potential to become a cornerstone of the future low-carbon energy system, but achieving large-scale deployment requires more than just advanced production methods. Whether through high-efficiency electrolysers, carbon capture or nuclear - and methane-based pathways, breakthrough technologies can lower costs and carbon footprints – provided they operate within flexible, well-defined rules such as carbon pricing mechanisms and certification schemes. Consistent international standards, unbiased policy frameworks, alignment with emission reduction targets and traceability of embedded emissions will prove critical in accelerating market uptake. By combining diverse solutions under a technology-agnostic umbrella, the hydrogen sector can overcome challenges related to water usage, environmental impacts and cost, paving the way for scalability and commercialisation.

Attendee insights:

Explore how a flexible regulatory environment, robust certification processes, and emerging technologies can collectively transform hydrogen into a scalable, cost-effective and sustainable energy option.

Wednesday, 6 November

14:30

Hydrogen Conference ICC Hall B 14:30 - 15:30

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Asia’s role in defining the hydrogen market

Asia is emerging as a key player in the hydrogen economy, supported by significant investments in low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia technologies. China may need to import substantial quantities of hydrogen by 2030 due to high domestic demand but could conversely also achieve near self-sufficiency, or become an exporter, depending on its success in scaling low-carbon hydrogen production and resolving infrastructural challenges. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea could become major importers of hydrogen, driven by their high energy dependence and constraints in domestic renewable energy production. As Asian nations start to configure their hydrogen markets, the region provides a compelling case for the development of new technologies to produce lower cost hydrogen, as well as investments in a rapid expansion of enabling infrastructure for international hydrogen trade.

Attendee insights:

Gain insights into how Asian countries are positioning themselves within the global hydrogen economy, focusing on their advances in hydrogen production technologies and infrastructure, and the geopolitical implications of their evolving roles as both importers and exporters in the hydrogen market.