As Japanese investors recognize the increasing importance of forming partnerships with U.S. companies to address the climate crisis, the Houston region is working to leverage its long-time energy industry expertise to lead the transition to a low-carbon world.
Building on the decades-old presence of many Japanese investors in Houston’s oil and gas and chemical industries, the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) is looking forward to a new chapter in this relationship.
The Japanese government has prioritized the creation of a carbon neutral world, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Meanwhile, the public and private sectors in Japan have stepped up efforts to develop zero-emission technologies in shipping, automotive, aviation and manufacturing.
Leaders in the Houston region are focused on jump-starting emerging technologies across carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, battery manufacturing, and the circular economy. This innovation is in addition to scaling wind, solar, renewable natural gas, low-carbon liquefied natural gas and biofuels.
In addition, Houston is a leading city for the aerospace and commercial space, life sciences, manufacturing and logistics industries. Venture capital funding of Houston companies has tripled over the last four years, and key innovation-focused facilities, such as The Ion, bring together startups, the academia, and various enterprises to drive innovation.
“Houston has been leading innovations across energy, aerospace and life sciences for decades, and as home to the Port of Houston, which is the busiest in the country, the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Spaceport. Houston has the infrastructure to support tremendous growth in the future,” said GHP Chief Economic Development Officer Susan Davenport.
Whether creating new innovations to power the world or designing technologies headed for outer space, Houston is an ideal partner for Japanese investors searching for a new frontier.
