Japan ranks No. 2 in alternative-protein patents, behind U.S.
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 5/28/2024 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 107 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 270 subscribers [ more than 2,310 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)!
[🇯🇵📰👀Japan Climate News Headlines]
【1】How Japan Thinks about Energy Security [5/22 CSIS(Center for Strategic and International Studies)]
Japan, an import-dependent country, has sought to protect its energy security through strong relationships with exporting countries and strategic investments throughout the energy value chain.
Japan's energy security thinking has evolved, punctuated by major events like the 1970s oil shocks and the 2011 Fukushima disaster, leading to a focus on resource access, diversification, and resilience.
Japan has made strategic energy investments in the Middle East and played a pivotal role in supporting the global LNG industry, with state institutions helping to de-risk capital-intensive ventures.
【2】Japan ranks No. 2 in alternative-protein patents, behind U.S. - Companies like Nissin Foods drive innovation in field seen growing to $880bn in 2050 [5/27 Nikkei Asia]
Japan ranks second in the value of alternative-protein patents, behind only the U.S., with Japanese companies like Fuji Oil, Amano Enzyme, and Nissin Foods making significant contributions.
The global market for alternative proteins, including lab-grown meat, is expected to grow rapidly, potentially reaching $880 billion by 2050 due to rising population and environmental concerns.
Challenges remain in the alternative protein industry, such as establishing rules for additives, labeling, and safety standards for plant-based and lab-grown meat products.
【3】Japan's JERA develops renewable energy detection system - Some companies switch from solar to fossil fuels at night, boosting emissions [5/22 Nikkei Asia]
JERA's new service will monitor electricity sources hourly to prevent misleading claims and promote renewable energy. The system, using international standards, will be introduced at Toho Studios. As companies seek to diversify renewable energy, demand for wind, geothermal, and storage batteries may increase.
【4】Google signs Japan solar farm deals to power data centers - CEC and Shizen Energy to build plants to raise renewable energy consumption [5/24 Nikkei Asia]
Google signs first-ever corporate power purchase agreements in Japan with Clean Energy Connect and Shizen Energy for dedicated solar farms to power data centers.
Clean Energy Connect to invest 10 billion yen for 800 solar farms providing 70,000 kW, while Shizen Energy develops a 30,000 kW project in Kanto region.
Google aims for 100% renewable energy consumption by 2030, currently at 64% globally but only 16% in Japan, planning to increase procurement as it starts up more data centers.
【5】Indonesian carbon-offset startup eyes trading in Singapore, Tokyo - CarbonEthics sees rising demand for marine projects in international market [5/26 Nikkei Asia]
Indonesian startup CarbonEthics plans to list its unique "blue carbon" offset projects on international markets by 2026. Focusing on coastal and marine ecosystems, the company aims to capture 10% of Indonesia's carbon market by 2030 and expand to other Southeast Asian countries.
【6】South Korea Plan to Use Ammonia for Power Raises Health Concerns -Government plans to co-fire coal plants with ammonia could boost air pollution, according to a new study from two nonprofits. [5/23 Bloomberg Green]
South Korea's plan to co-fire coal plants with ammonia raises health concerns, according to a new study from two nonprofits. The report suggests that burning ammonia could release fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, causing breathing difficulties, lung disease, and genetic dysfunctions.
The nonprofits argue that South Korea should transition away from coal and accelerate a shift towards renewables. Asian economic powerhouses like South Korea and Japan are reluctant to shift away from coal-fired generation due to their newer facilities.
South Korea remains heavily reliant on coal, and the co-firing plan could significantly increase fine dust emissions in the Chungnam province.
【7】Japan’s Offshore Wind Revolution by Walter James, PhD [5/27 Energy Tracker Asia ]
Japan has tremendous offshore wind potential but only utilizes a tiny fraction of it. The government has set ambitious targets to increase offshore wind capacity.
Proposed legislative amendments would open up Japan's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for floating offshore wind development, potentially unleashing massive clean energy potential.
Expanding floating offshore wind in the EEZ could have numerous positive impacts, including boosting manufacturing, creating jobs, benefiting fisheries, and revitalizing rural communities.
【8】‘Megasolar’ is a dirty word in Japan. Where do solar projects go from here? [5/26 The Japan Times]
Residents in Gojo, Nara Prefecture, are protesting the prefectural government's plan to develop a large-scale solar farm on a plot of land originally intended for an anti-disaster base.
The growing backlash against "megasolar" projects in Japan is attributed to irresponsible operators and lack of government oversight, complicating the country's goal to increase solar power.
Experts suggest proper zoning, prior consultation, and sharing benefits with local communities as key solutions, along with dual-use approaches like agrivoltaics and rooftop solar panels.
【9】What does climate change sound like in Okinawa? [5/23 The Japan Times]
Scientists in Okinawa are recording ambient sounds to track how climate change impacts biodiversity. AI helps analyze the audio to identify bird calls. The long-term acoustic monitoring, combined with other data like from camera traps and insect surveys, aims to reveal changes in Okinawa's ecosystems over decades.
【10】Monitoring corporate climate policy influence [5/17 Sustainable Japan by The Japan Times]
InfluenceMap , an independent climate think tank, researches and scores corporate lobbying on climate policy, providing metrics to investors for engagement with companies. Monica Nagashima, InfluenceMap's Japan country manager, believes a carbon price is essential to disincentivize pollution and encourage clean technology investment. Nagashima hopes that in five years, InfluenceMap won't be needed as commonsense policies and practices prevail, aligning with the 1.5-degree climate target.
📬That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) 🙇. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!
The "Climate Curation" newsletter in 🇯🇵Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin and Substack.
Please feel free to contact me via email: hiroyasu.ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org, if there are any research/consulting needs for your business or just for a coffee chat☕.
My personal Twitter(X) account (in 🇯🇵Japanese) @SocialCompany
ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)