In a notable development at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a commitment towards environmental sustainability. He declared Japan’s intention to cease the construction of new coal-fired power plants unless they are equipped with technology for capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and aligns with its goal to mitigate climate change impacts.
Kishida stated on Friday at COP28, as mentioned in the transcript of his speech published by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Saturday, “In line with its goal of net-zero emissions, Japan will cease the construction of new coal-powered electricity plants that do not include carbon capture technology, ensuring stable energy supplies.”
Japan, heavily reliant on coal imports and other fossil fuels, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Kishida noted that Japan has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and is on track to reduce them by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels.
To further reduce emissions, Japan is looking to use hydrogen and ammonia for power generation alongside gas and coal in existing power plants. The Japanese government also announced plans to restart more nuclear reactors. Since the tsunami on March 11, 2011, which caused the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, Japan shut down all its nuclear reactors for safety reviews and enhancements. As a result, Japan has found itself heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, especially natural gas, which accounts for about 40% of its total electricity generation, and coal, which accounts for about 30%.
