Japan's Green Tech Innovations: Solid-State Batteries, Perovskite Solar, and AI-Driven Emissions Reduction
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 6/18/2024 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 110 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 290 subscribers [ more than 2,350 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】Apple supplier TDK claims solid-state battery breakthrough - Smartphone battery leader says new material will boost energy storage for smaller gadgets first [6/17 Financial Times]
TDK announces a significant advancement in solid-state battery technology, with a new material offering 100 times greater energy density than current batteries. While the oxide-based batteries are designed for small devices, challenges remain in scaling up the technology for larger applications.
Press releaase: TDK successfully developed a material for solid-state batteries with 100-times higher energy density [6/17 TDK]
【2】Japan's green tech suppliers seek more credit for carbon reduction - Panasonic hopes to see 'avoided emissions' standards as soon as March [6/17 Nikkei Asia]
Japan's green tech suppliers want credit for helping cut emissions and are pushing for "avoided emissions" standards separate from Scope 1-3 carbon accounting. Japan has advocated for this globally, gaining G7 and industry support. Transparent calculation methods are needed.
【3】Canon's protective coating to double life of bendable solar cells - Eneos to boost iodine output as Japan pushes to commercialize versatile tech [6/18 Nikkei Asia]
Canon has developed a protective coating that could double the lifespan of perovskite solar cells to 20-30 years, reducing maintenance needs. Eneos Holdings will boost iodine output, a key material in perovskite cells, expecting demand to grow in the late 2020s. The Japanese government is investing in supporting perovskite cell commercialization by 2030 as the global market is projected to expand significantly.
【4】Japan eyes recycling mandate for solar panels - Disposals expected to soar in mid-2030s, spurring need for new tech and lower costs [6/12 Nikkei Asia]
Japan plans to introduce legislation mandating solar panel recycling by the mid-2030s when disposal volumes are expected to soar. The proposed recycling mandate would require owners to pay recycling fees and face challenges such as insufficient recycling capacity and illegal dumping. Japan's solar power industry has expanded rapidly due to the feed-in tariff system, but ill-planned development has led to environmental issues.
【5】Japan emissions-monitoring startup backed by SMBC, Murata and others- 17 companies invest $27m in Asuene, with eye on decarbonization solutions [6/14 Nikkei Asia]
Asuene, a Japanese startup helping companies measure and reduce CO2 emissions, raised ¥4.2 billion from 17 companies, including SMBC and Murata. Asuene uses AI to calculate Scope 3 emissions and plans to develop a feature to recommend decarbonization measures while also acquiring AI development expertise. Companies face growing pressure to report greenhouse gas emissions, with disclosure requirements proposed in Japan and adopted in the U.S.
【6】Toyota makes big bet on small engines in new hybrid era - Scaled-down internal combustion engines will sit alongside batteries in reimagined car breed [6/16 Financial Times]
Toyota is investing in new, smaller, more efficient internal combustion engines for hybrid vehicles, believing consumer demand will persist despite the EV transition. Chinese carmakers like BYD are aggressively expanding globally with advanced hybrid and EV technologies, potentially threatening legacy automakers. The profitability of hybrids and the slower-than-expected adoption of EVs in some markets support Toyota's strategy, but the rapid pace of change driven by Chinese companies poses risks.
【7】AI's looming climate cost: demand surges amid data center race - From Singapore to China, AI's appetite for electricity and water grows insatiable as models get larger [6/12 Nikkei Asia]
AI's growing energy appetite and carbon footprint could accelerate climate change risks like wildfires, floods, and extreme weather. Countries are racing to build data centers to drive AI development, but these facilities consume vast electricity and water. Tech giants are investing in renewable energy and more efficient chips to mitigate AI's environmental impact, but challenges remain, especially in Asia.
【8】Japan could be energy-independent by 2060 thanks to renewables, Rystad Energy CEO says [6/14 Reuters]
Rystad Energy CEO Jarand Rystad believes Japan could be energy-independent by 2060 through renewables expansion
Japan's energy mix could consist of 45% solar, 30% wind, 5% hydropower, 5% biomass/e-fuel, and 15% nuclear by 2060
Solutions like combining agriculture with solar panels and solar rooftops above roads could help expand solar power use
【9】Japan’s gamified environment apps target a greener mindset [6/16 The Japan Times]
In Japan, gamified environmental apps are gaining popularity as a tool to encourage greener behavior. While their impact may be limited compared to corporate actions, these apps can help individuals feel empowered, build community, and become more aware of their eco-friendly choices.
【10】PRESS CONFERENCE: Climate Change and Heatwaves by Seita Emori and Takeshi Doi [6/12 Foreign Correspondent Club of Japan]
Experts Seita Emori from the University of Tokyo and Takeshi Doi from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology discussed the increasing severity of heatwaves globally at a press conference held by the Foreign Correspondence Club of Japan.
They highlighted that global temperatures are at their highest in 100,000 years due to anthropogenic factors, referencing recent data showing unprecedented heat in Southeast Asia and India.
Emori and Doi attributed these conditions to El Niño effects and global warming, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Paris Agreement to avoid surpassing the 1.5°C target and potential irreversible impacts.
The discussion concluded with a focus on adaptation and mitigation strategies, stressing the necessity of integrating scientific forecasts into public health and urban planning to minimize future socio-economic damages from heat-related events.
📬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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