NEWS

On October 10, 2024, APU welcomed Mr. Kazuhiro Ikebe, President of Kyushu Electric Power Company (Kyushu Electric Power), to deliver a special lecture entitled “Initiatives Toward Realizing Carbon Neutrality.” Mr. Ikebe delivered the lecture as part of the “Environmental Economics” (Professor Tomonori Sudo) and “Advanced Practicum” (Professor Yuji Matsuo) courses in the College of Sustainability and Tourism. APU and the Oita branch of Kyushu Electric Power signed a comprehensive partnership agreement in 2021, and this year marks the third year of these kinds of collaborative lectures for undergraduate students. For the first time, President Ikebe joined in person to address students on how to tackle the pressing issue of global boiling.

President Ikebe began the lecture by asking students, "What is energy?" and revisited the evolution of resources that have transformed human life since the discovery of fire. He expressed his support for the recent shift in terminology from "global warming" to “global boiling,” recognizing the urgency of this issue. He emphasized the mission of advancing carbon neutrality by adopting non-CO2 emitting energy sources, aiming to preserve the civilization humanity has built. He presented data showing Japan’s current annual CO2 emissions at about 1.1 billion tons, with approximately 400 million tons attributed to the energy conversion sector (e.g., power generation), underscoring the critical role of energy companies in this transition.

In his lecture, President Ikebe highlighted that the electrification of energy is essential for achieving carbon neutrality and should be powered by renewable energy and nuclear power. While he acknowledged the advantages of renewable energy, he pointed out that the nature of electricity requires it to be immediately used once generated, making it challenging to rely solely on solar and other renewables for the entire supply of energy. Nonetheless, Kyushu Electric Power is dedicated to maximizing renewable energy use and operates battery storage substations as part of this commitment. He also addressed the importance of nuclear power as a crucial element in achieving carbon neutrality, acknowledging the concerns raised following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the reinforced safety measures that have since been implemented.

In closing, President Ikebe noted Japan’s projected population decline as an additional issue of concern beyond global boiling. He cited the need for adapting to the digital transformation (DX) and emphasized the importance of human capital management. As a business leader, he stressed the necessity of supporting individual skills development and ensuring work-life balance while compensating for a shrinking workforce through digital solutions to improve productivity.

During the Q&A session, students asked questions on various topics, including the environmental impact of electrification, the sustainability of the company’s energy initiatives, and nuclear fusion as a potential power source of the future. When asked about the values he holds as a professional, President Ikebe encouraged students by saying, "It is essential to stay curious and keep learning."