Japanese cherry blossom may disappear by 2100?!
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 3/26/2024 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 98 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 250 subscribers [ more than 2,220 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】Japanese cherry blossom may disappear by 2100 [3/24 South China Morning Post]
Japan's cherry blossoms are blooming earlier than usual in 2024, due to a warmer climate. As the country prepares to welcome more tourists, experts warn that climate disruptions may lead to the extinction of a popular variety of cherry trees in some parts of the country.
【2】Japan plans power grid expansion to promote renewable energy [3/25 NHK World]
A group in Japan has developed a power grid expansion plan to promote renewable energy. The plan aims to connect solar and wind power with major cities.
The plan includes a costly undersea cable to connect Tokyo with Hokkaido, aiming to boost transmission capacity by 3.5 times by 2030.
Additionally, about $2.6 billion will be invested to expand the grid between Kyushu and Chugoku, targeting a 30% increase in capacity by the early 2030s.
【3】Japan sails close to offshore wind snags as fisheries, tech challenges lurk [3/26 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's offshore wind power initiative faces challenges, including the necessity of an 800-kilometer power cable and concerns over impacts on fisheries, especially the habitat of the Japanese sandfish in Akita Prefecture.
Akita is poised to become Japan's largest offshore wind hub, which is essential for meeting the country's net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, despite fishermen's worries about their livelihoods.
The success of Japan's offshore wind farms hinges on overcoming technical challenges, securing support from the fishing industry, and addressing the limitations of the country's fragmented electricity transmission system.
【4】Japan chooses JRE, Ibedrola, Tohoku Electric for offshore wind farm [3/22 Reuters]
The Japanese government selected a consortium of Japan Renewable Energy, Iberdrola Renewables, and Tohoku Electric Power for an offshore wind farm project in Akita prefecture. The 375-MW Happo-Noshiro project is part of Japan's goal to expand its offshore wind capacity to 45 GW by 2040, with Vestas supplying turbines. This auction marks Iberdrola's further expansion in Japan, following RWE, signaling international interest and investment in Japan's renewable energy sector.
【5】Nissan eyes profitable EV business with new models, technologies - Automaker will launch 16 electrified types by 2026 [3/25 Nikkei Asia]
Nissan plans to launch 30 new models by 2026, with 16 being electric or hybrid, aiming for 60% of its global sales to come from electrified models by 2030.
The company aims to increase profitability and sales, targeting an additional 1 million vehicles sold and a 6% operating profit margin by 2026.
Amid supply chain issues and competition challenges, Nissan focuses on affordability, battery innovation, and partnerships to boost EV sales, especially in key markets like China.
【6】Japan to introduce new EV subsidy system [3/21 NHK World]
Japan's new EV subsidy system, starting April, will factor in after-sales services, fast-charging infrastructure, and efforts to promote EV usage. Subsidy amounts will vary by model, benefiting jointly developed vehicles and increasing savings for buyers. Some foreign-made SUVs, like those from China's BYD, will see reduced subsidies.
【7】Japan's JERA, IHI to test ammonia as fuel at coal power plant - Japan proposes way to keep Asia's coal plants running in low-carbon era [3/18 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's JERA and IHI are launching a pioneering project to generate electricity at a coal plant in Aichi by burning a mix of coal and ammonia, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. The initiative aims to use ammonia for 20% of the energy production, with ambitions to increase this to 50% and eventually achieve a coal-free operation, contributing to global decarbonization. Despite challenges such as higher costs and technical uncertainties, Japan seeks to showcase this technology to Asian countries reliant on coal for energy, offering a path towards cleaner power generation.
【8】JERA, Exxon to explore development of hydrogen and ammonia production project in US [3/26 Reuters]
JERA and Exxon Mobil are collaborating on a groundbreaking hydrogen and ammonia production project in the US, marking a significant step towards carbon neutrality and establishing a zero-emission thermal power supply chain.
【9】With Japan’s help, is Vietnam headed for a flawed energy transition? [3/25 The Japan Times]
Vietnam's energy transition, backed by Japan, faces political and strategic challenges, with the arrest of a clean energy advocate and reliance on coal highlighting the complexities of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
【10】A call for economic degrowth GDP expansion under a green agenda is part of the problem, not the solution [3/25 The Japan Times]
The SDGs, while popular, are criticized for maintaining the status quo and not addressing the root causes of global crises. Actual change requires systemic shifts, not just individual actions, challenging capitalism's endless growth model.
📬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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