Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Invest Alberta Corporation (IAC), an investment attraction agency established by the government of Alberta, Canada, to partner together to support JAPEX's development of its business toward environmentally sustainable society in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

The MoU signifies the intent of both parties to work jointly on potential projects of JAPEX in Alberta, leveraging JAPEX's extensive experience in petroleum exploration, production and carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS)/carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), while Invest Alberta will support JAPEX with its in-depth knowledge of the local market and investment landscape. On this partnership, JAPEX is seeking to develop the projects in several areas:

• CCS/CCUS
• Bioenergy with CO₂ capture and storage (BECCS)
• Blue H₂/ammonia business

 "We are very excited to start working together with Invest Alberta," said Tomomi Yamada, Executive Management Officer, President of Overseas Business Division II, JAPEX. "JAPEX had a very long-standing history of business in Alberta in the areas of oil sands (as an operator) and natural gas. We are now aiming to come back to Alberta and contribute to its decarbonization, using our expertise and experiences gained through the participation in CCS demonstration project in Japan by investing in the project company and extensive E&P businesses in Japan as well as overseas."

Established by the Province of Alberta, Invest Alberta provides high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. As one of North America's leading investment attraction organizations with teams strategically placed around the world, including in Tokyo, Invest Alberta breaks down barriers so businesses can start up, scale up, and succeed without limits.

"Invest Alberta is honored to partner with JAPEX to help the company seize the opportunities that Alberta offers to investors," said Rick Christiaanse, Invest Alberta CEO. "As Canada's energy capital, Alberta has a skilled workforce and renowned researchers capable of advancing major projects forward in a welcoming business environment. JAPEX is a strong and valuable partner for Alberta, bringing extensive experience in the energy sector and a shared dedication to achieving net-zero through environmentally sustainable projects."

"Japan is a valued ally and trading partner, so it makes sense we collaborate on lowering emissions together using Alberta's unique geology, which holds enough pour space to contain most of the world's human produced CO₂ emissions," said Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Energy & Minerals. "Alberta and Japan have a reputation for technical excellence that will ensure a successful partnership."