From Devastation to Innovation: Fukushima's 14-Year Journey
Japan advances a mixed energy strategy: promoting nuclear for 2050 net-zero goals while INPEX boosts fossil fuels by 30%.
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 3/12/2025 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 144 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which has been curating hand-picked Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 430 subscribers [ more than 2,730 on Linedin]. You can subscribe by clicking on the Linkedin page or the form below.
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*Disclaimer: Generative AI tools such as Claude Sonet 3.5 has been used for summary and translation assistance 🙂
【Digest of this week's topics】
Japan advances a mixed energy strategy: promoting nuclear for 2050 net-zero goals while INPEX boosts fossil fuel output by 30%. As renewable initiatives face supply chain challenges, Fukushima transforms into an innovation hub with 387 startups. Toyota launches its $15,000 EV in China while PowerX raises ¥5.6B for energy storage.
[🇯🇵📰👀Japan Climate News Headlines]
【1】Fukushima vies to become a startup hub [3/11 The Japan Times]
14 years after the disaster, Fukushima promotes startup development through the "Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework"
387 companies in 15 municipalities focus on robot, rocket, and drone development
More generous subsidies and support for rent and transportation costs serve as main attraction points.
Specialization in space industry and decommissioning technology leveraging Fukushima's vast open spaces
Differentiation from other startup hubs like Tokyo remains a future challenge
【2】Disappointments, opportunities: 14 years on from nuclear disaster [3/11 NHK World]
14 years after the March 2011 disaster, the hopes and heartaches of Fukushima residents are reported as they return and rebuild their communities
【3】Japan needs collective public support to reach its nuclear goals [3/10 The Japan Times]
The Japanese government is promoting nuclear expansion to achieve its 2050 net-zero goals
Government energy policy processes have prioritized industry dialogue over civic voices
Environmental organizations advocate for complete transition to renewable energy by 2050
Trust-building requires three key elements: competence, care, and consistency
Social acceptance of nuclear policy requires dialogue involving diverse stakeholders
【4】REvision2025 - International Conference - The Great Decarbonization Competition and Renewable Energy [3/05 Renewable Energy Institute]
On March 5, 2025, the Renewable Energy Institute hosted "REvision2025: The Great Decarbonization Competition and Renewable Energy"
IRENA Deputy Director-General Gauri Singh and global experts discussed international renewable energy trends and challenges under the Trump administration
The afternoon featured three sessions on renewable energy for regional revitalization, accelerating offshore wind power, and creating a green steel market, with experts exchanging views on deployment strategies and challenges
【5】Japan's offshore wind ambitions face regional supply chain turbulence [3/11 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's offshore wind ambitions are showing policy progress, including the legal amendment permitting development in the economic zone and setting a target to increase renewable energy to 50% by 2040
While companies from Singapore and the UK, such as Strategic Marine Group, are entering the Japanese market, challenges like supply chain shortages and rising construction costs are becoming apparent
Mitsubishi Corporation has recorded a significant loss due to unexpected cost increases
Experts point out that the success of existing projects and close cooperation between government and industry are essential for future development
【6】Japan's Inpex to boost oil and natural gas output 30% by 2035 [3/08 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's INPEX plans to increase oil and natural gas production by 30% to 800,000 barrels per day by 2035, targeting demand from emerging Asian economies and AI. The company will focus on natural gas, which has lower environmental impact, expanding Indonesia's Abadi project and Australia's Ichthys project. While maintaining current investments in renewables, 90% of investments will be directed to fossil fuels. This strategic shift comes as Western majors are also retreating from renewable investments, anticipating increased demand for natural gas driven by data centers for AI development.
【7】Toyota releases its cheapest EV to date in China [3/07 Nikkei Asia]
Toyota launches its cheapest EV "bZ3X" for the Chinese market at around $15,000
Cost reduction achieved by sourcing parts from Chinese suppliers
Features up to 610km driving range and advanced driver assistance systems
Japanese automakers struggling in China, with Toyota sales down 7% to 1.77 million units
Toyota plans to build a new fully-owned Lexus factory in Shanghai by 2027
【8】Amid climate change, LED-lit 'plant factories' enter spotlight [2/22 The Asahi Shimbun]
Indoor "plant factories" are gaining attention amid rising vegetable prices due to climate change. Itoya's Ginza store operates a 60-square-meter hydroponic farm growing pesticide-free lettuce. Plants Laboratory provides plant factory systems co-developed with the University of Tokyo to Seiyu supermarkets
According to the agriculture ministry, the number of plant factories in Japan increased from 93 in 2011 to 432 in 2024. The market is expected to reach 24 billion yen by fiscal year 2029
【9】PowerX Raises 5.6 Billion Yen in Series C Funding Round [3/07 PowerX newsroom]
PowerX has raised a total of 5.63 billion yen in its Series C funding round, bringing its cumulative capital since founding to approximately 29.09 billion yen
Existing investors including ITOCHU Corporation, MUFG Bank, and Imabari Shipbuilding were joined by new investors such as Toyota Tsusho
The funds will be used to expand manufacturing capacity for battery energy storage systems and strengthen R&D capabilities, supporting Japan's transition to carbon neutrality as a domestic manufacturer
【10】Toyota's Chinese Lexus EV plant to make up for lost time [3/08 Nikkei Asia]
Toyota establishes wholly-owned Lexus EV subsidiary in Shanghai, China
Production scheduled to begin around 2027 with annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles
Rare fully independent operation for a foreign automaker in China
Takero Kato to lead the new company, leveraging his experience with the BYD joint venture
Toyota emphasizes maintaining relationships with existing Chinese partners (FAW, GAC)
📬That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) 🙇. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!
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