CRIEPI held an international symposium in Tokyo on May 27 under the title of "The Role and Challenges of Electricity R&D towards a Low-Carbon Society." This was the first symposium jointly sponsored by CRIEPI, together with America's Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Eureletric, Italy's CESI RECERCA, and China's Energy Research Institute (ERI). Approximately 460 participants crowded into the conference hall at the Tokyo International Exchange Center.

Overseas participants presented technology development trends for CO₂ reduction in the power sectors in their respective nations.

CRIEPI presented research on CO₂ emission scenarios in the power sector until 2050, next-generation IGCC plants with CO₂ capture technology, next-generation grid technology and Eco Cute.

In the subsequent round-table discussion, coordinated by Professor Yuji Uchiyama, University of Tsukuba, a list of seven statements were drawn up regarding international cooperation towards a low-carbon society.

The five co-sponsoring organizations and Xi'an Thermal Power Research Institute (TPRI), which also participated in the symposium, agreed to exchange information in the future.

1. Given that the electricity sector is a significant contributor to global emissions of carbon dioxide, it must play an essential role in stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
2. In a carbon-constrained world, the electricity sector's share of primary energy is likely to expand dramatically on a global basis through increased penetration of efficient and competitive electro-technologies in other economic sectors.
3. There is significant potential for future carbon dioxide reductions from the electricity sectors in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China using a broad portfolio of advanced electricity technologies deployed according to respective national circumstances.
4. Much of the necessary work required to realize the full benefit of these advanced electricity technologies is yet to be conducted, particularly with respect to the demonstration of these technologies in both developed and developing countries.
5. Research leading to the development of a low-cost, low-carbon portfolio of advanced electricity technologies has the potential to significantly reduce the economic costs of climate policies in our respective nations and for the global economy.
6. A coordinated international framework for collaboration on advanced electricity technologies is urgently needed to accelerate the rate at which these technologies may be deployed to benefit the global climate.
7. Activities by all nations to accelerate development and deployment of advanced electricity technologies can provide a core element for success in future international discussions intended to address climate change.