Japan to cut fossil fuels in new policy

TOKYO, July 22, 2021 – Japan has released a draft policy to lower the use of gas and raise the percentage of renewables in its energy mix.

In the plan announced on Wednesday, the world’s third-largest economy plans to increase renewables to 36-38% by 2030 from its original 22-24% target.

 

The policy would see a decrease in the use of gas from its current target of 26% to 19% and a decrease in coal from 26% to 19% by 2030. Japan’s nuclear target would remain the same at 20-22%.

The drafted policy would be a blow for new LNG projects in the region, particularly in Australia.

“Japan is one of Australia’s biggest export markets for LNG. This development could undermine the federal government’s support for new gas earmarked for export,” said Madeline Taylor, Climate Council spokeswoman.