Balancing Act: Japan's Digital Growth and Green Ambitions
Balancing Act: Japan's Digital Growth and Green Ambitions
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 9/17/2024 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 121 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which has been curating Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 340 subscribers [ more than 2,520 on Linedin]. You can subscribe by clicking on the Linkedin page or the form below.
I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!
Found this week's news insights valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene🙂🙇
*Disclaimer: Generative AI tools such as Claude Sonet 3.5 has been used for summary and translation assistance 🙂
[🇯🇵📰👀Japan Climate News Headlines]
【1】Experts discuss proposals to revise Japan's energy strategy [9/13 NHK World]
Japan is revising its energy strategy, focusing on power-saving tech, renewable energy, and cutting emissions. Experts are working on a roadmap for future power sources, aiming for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Slides and document materials for the strategy meeting are available here (in Japanese), as well as a YouTube archive of the meeting.
【2】The Legacy of PM Fumio Kishida and the remaining issues [9/9 The Institute of Energy Economics]
"This episode is talking about “The Legacy of PM Fumio Kishida and the remaining issues”. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that he will not seek his reelection. He will leave behind a significant legacy in the energy sector. His successor will need to address several important remaining issues."
【3】Energy Transition Scenarios for Decarbonization Based on 80% Renewables Electricity by 2035 [6/19 Renewable Energy Institute]
The Renewable Energy Institute's scenario shows that Japan can achieve significant CO2 reductions by 2035 without nuclear or coal power. Massive deployment of renewables, storage batteries, and grid enhancements can provide 80% of electricity supply, supporting industrial decarbonization and attracting new industries.
【4】How China’s dominance of solar and batteries is impacting Japan’s energy transition [9/16 The Japan Times]
China's solar and battery production dominance complicates Japan's shift to clean energy. Ethical issues in Chinese supply chains are concerning. Japan focuses on alternative technologies, while the US and EU use tariffs to counter China's influence.
【5】Opinion | Japan's digital transformation must not derail decarbonization drive Data center-related power consumption is estimated to rise by 550 times by 2050 [9/11 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's push for digital transformation is gaining momentum, but the rapid growth of data centers threatens to derail decarbonization efforts. The next government faces the challenge of harmonizing technological advancement with environmental commitments, requiring careful policy considerations.
【6】Japanese auto parts makers scramble to prepare for EV shift - 'No time to rest,' given lead time for phase out of gasoline-powered cars [9/13 Nikkei Asia]
Japanese auto parts manufacturers are racing to adapt to the EV revolution, facing challenges and finding opportunities. The industry, crucial to Japan's economy, is innovating and forming new partnerships to remain competitive in the changing automotive landscape.
【7】In Indonesia, BYD and Hyundai lure workers from Japan rivals Competitors said to offer triple the pay of Japanese automakers [9/15 Nikkei Asia]
Asian automakers BYD and Hyundai are challenging Japanese dominance in Indonesia's car market by poaching top talent with attractive offers. This trend highlights the declining appeal of Japanese companies as employers, both in Southeast Asia and for international recruitment efforts.
【8】Trial of next-gen solar cells to start in Fukushima [9/11 NHK World]
Japan launched an innovative solar panel trial in Fukushima, testing lightweight, flexible 'perovskite' cells. This government-backed project aims to expand renewable energy use by installing panels in previously unsuitable locations.
【9】Japan considers company support measures for long-term LNG contracts [9/11 Reuters]
Japan's government is contemplating measures to support companies in securing long-term LNG contracts, aiming to ensure stable supply. This includes financial assistance for storage and new schemes for long-term commitments, reflecting Japan's energy security concerns post-Ukraine invasion.
【10】Japan's Mitsubishi to buy stake, offtake ammonia from ExxonMobil in Texas [9/13 Reuters]
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi is set to invest in ExxonMobil's low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia facility in Texas. This move aligns with Japan's decarbonization efforts, aiming to increase hydrogen and ammonia usage in various industries. The project is expected to start in 2029.
📬That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) 🙇. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!
Found this week's news insights valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene🙂🙇
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ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)