Canada-Japan Agreements on Geodynamics and Clean Coal

Geodynamics Agreement

Natural Resources Canada and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology have signed a Declaration of Intent in the field of geodynamics. The five-year agreement is designed to further the understanding of earthquakes and tsunamis while helping to ensure the safety and security of people in both countries.

The agreement will also provide researchers with the opportunity to share scientific information related to geodynamics; exchange personnel for collaborative projects; share facilities and equipment, such as research vessels; and work with industrial, academic and professional organizations in both countries.

This collaboration could lead to improved earthquake and tsunami monitoring; develop geodynamic models to better understand why, how and where earthquakes happen; conduct comparative studies of subduction zones off Japan and Canada; and develop and interpret marine geophysical surveys.

Clean Coal Agreement

Natural Resources Canada and Japan Coal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage cooperation between the two countries on clean coal and carbon capture and storage. This memorandum builds on the Declaration of Intent that the two countries signed in 2011. Under the agreement, Canada will be working with Japan to test carbon capture and storage technologies that can be used in coal fired power plants.

By sharing expertise, Canada and Japan will be able to improve the understanding of how different technologies adapt to coal facilities in both countries. This research will lead to further implementation of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the production of electricity from coal.