Japan's Climate Crossroads: NDC Debates Heat Up as Basic Energy Policy Takes Shape
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 12/5/2024 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 132 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which has been curating Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 370 subscribers [ more than 2,630 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 🙂
[🇯🇵📰👀Japan Climate News Headlines]
【1】Renewables hold balance as Japan discusses energy policy [12/4 NHK World]
Renewable energy accounted for only about 22% of Japan's power output in fiscal 2022. However, a policy adviser says this may rise significantly as part of a government initiative to look ahead to 2040.
【2】Climate Experts Urge Japan to Set More Ambitious Emission Goals [11/29 Bloomberg]
Climate experts are calling on Japan to increase its carbon reduction ambitions for 2035. They advocate for an 80% cut from 2013 levels rather than the government's proposed 60% reduction.
This push comes after a government meeting where officials suggested updating climate targets. Japan's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and cited challenges in transitioning to clean energy have made ambitious climate goals difficult.
With Paris Agreement signatories required to submit new carbon reduction pledges by February, pressure is mounting for Japan to align with global climate leaders like the UK.
【3】Business and Sports Sectors Unite in Push for More Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Cuts Beyond 60% [12/04 The Asahi Shimbun]
Japanese government faces mounting pressure to raise its 2035 greenhouse gas reduction target above 60%, with business groups, NGOs, and sports organizations advocating for at least a 66% reduction to align with global climate goals.
【4】Japan's opposition DPFP leader submits basic energy plan requests to PM Ishiba [11/27 NHK World]
Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki Yuichiro has presented energy policy proposals to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru for inclusion in Japan's new basic energy plan.
The proposals emphasize the need for an affordable and stable electricity supply, focusing on decarbonization through renewable energy while maintaining nuclear power capabilities.
Tamaki advocates for a balanced energy mix, including constructing new nuclear plants and developing human resources to meet increasing power demands.
The meeting reflects Ishiba's need for opposition party cooperation following the LDP-Komeito coalition's loss of Lower House majority.
【5】Basic Energy Plan: METI Presents Multiple Scenarios for Power Source Mix [12/3 NHK]
At a recent council meeting, as Japan approaches the final stages of revising its Basic Energy Plan, METI presented multiple scenarios for the 2040 power source mix. Acknowledging the difficulty in accurately predicting technological advancements in decarbonization, METI proposed a flexible approach with various scenarios.
These range from optimistic projections that renewables could reach 59% of the power mix to more conservative scenarios in which thermal power remains at 50%.
The scenarios consider varying levels of progress in renewable energy and carbon capture storage (CCS) technology. METI plans to present a draft of the new Basic Energy Plan in December.
【6】Japan charts lofty path for solar cell production [11/26 NHK World]
Thin, flexible solar cells hold the promise of a new industry in the making ... but with China eyeing the same market, a race to scale production is underway.
【7】Renewable Energy Institute’s Comment on the Government’s NDC Proposal - Proposed "60% Reduction Target by 2035" Only Represents 49% - A Shortfall and Missed Opportunity for a Developed Nation [11/29 Renewable Energy Institute]
Japan's newly proposed emissions reduction target appears ambitious at 60% by 2035, but the methodology and baseline year selection mask a less aggressive 49% actual reduction. As a developed nation, Japan faces pressure to strengthen its commitment and accelerate renewable energy adoption, especially amid global climate leadership concerns.
【8】U.S. carbon capture pioneer taps Japan's Mitsui, Mitsubishi for funds - JAL, shipper Mitsui O.S.K. Lines also hope to gain decarbonization know-how [12/5 Nikkei Asia]
In a landmark investment, four major Japanese corporations are backing Heirloom, America's commercial direct air carbon capture pioneer. With $150M in new funding, including Japanese investment, the company plans massive expansion from its current 1,000-tonne facility to potentially 1M tonnes capacity, marking a significant advancement in climate technology.
【9】Asia-Pacific carbon trade receives a 'groundbreaking' boost - From Indonesia to Japan, billions of dollars worth of projects proliferate [12/4 Nikkei Asia]
The new Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association (ANGEA) framework, which addresses cross-border implementation challenges, significantly boosts Asia-Pacific's carbon capture and storage industry. The guidelines aim to accelerate regional CCS projects amid growing investments and partnerships between capture-capable and storage-rich nations.
【10】Kimiko Hirata selected for 2024 Climate Breakthrough Award [12/3 Climate Breakthrough]
Kimiko Hirata, a pioneering environmental advocate, leads Climate Integrate in Japan. She combines data-driven strategies with innovative stakeholder engagement to accelerate decarbonization. Her proven track record and new focus on transforming energy transition narratives position her as a crucial catalyst for climate action in Asia.
📬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)