JAPAN

Japan pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In April 2021, Japan followed up this pledge with an announcement of the country’s aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 46% by 2030 compared with fiscal 2013 levels, a significant increase from its previous commitment of a 26% cut. Despite these pledges, the country has 500 megawatts (MW) of proposed coal power capacity at Matsushima power station, one of the only proposed coal power proposals remaining within the Group of Seven (G7) countries. In July 2020, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade announced a policy to phase out 100 “inefficient” subcritical coal power plant units by 2030. The reduction would still leave about 30,000 MW of coal power operational post-2030, unless planned retirements are increased. In the first half of 2024, Japan retired 372 MW of coal plant capacity. Japan’s domestic coal production is minuscule, and the country imports the vast majority of its coal supplies. In 2023, Japan generated 30% of its electricity from coal and 32% from gas. According to a Strategic Energy Plan draft, Japan expects renewable energy to account for 36%-38% of the country's energy mix for power generation in FY 2030-31. The country also expects coal to account for 19% and total fossil fuels to account for 41% of power generation.