Tokyo—Japan's share of renewable energy and nuclear power generation in its energy mix is set to account for at least 50% in fiscal year 2030-31 (April-March), following the premier's "ambitious" new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama said April 23.
"Although I cannot say exactly at this moment, [the share] should be more than 50% of course," Kajiyama told a press conference when asked to comment how much the share of renewable energy and nuclear power will be increased under the new target."We intend to increase renewable energy as much as possible, and nuclear power will also constitute the share, although there are nuclear [reactors] which have restarted, or not been restarted amid some issues over trust," Kajiyama said.
METI intends to see how much Japan can boost its renewable energy, with a focus on introducing more solar power in the country because of the limited time, even though the country faces a limitation on available flat in the country, Kajiyama said.
"As a decarbonizing source of electricity, nuclear power will also be utilized upon confirming safety," he added.
METI is currently reviewing its strategic energy plan, under which it is reviewing its 2030-31 energy mix. Under the current strategic energy plan, renewable energy is set to account for 22-24% of the current 2030-31 energy mix, with natural gas accounting for 27%, nuclear 20-22% and oil 3%.
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Climate change summitThe METI minister's remarks came as Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told the US-hosted climate change summit April 22 that Japan aims to cut 46% of its greenhouse gas emissions by fiscal 2030-31 from the fiscal 2013-14 level, up from the 26% reduction target earlier.
"Japan aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in fiscal year 2030 from its fiscal year 2013 levels, setting an ambitious target which is aligned with the long-term goal of achieving net-zero by 2050," Suga told the summit. "Furthermore, Japan will continue strenuous efforts in its challenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting its emissions by 50%."
Suga was among top Asian leaders attending US President Joe Biden's virtual climate summit.
The summit is a key platform for Biden to galvanize efforts by the major economies to tackle the climate crisis and marks a turning point in the global climate battle, with the US taking the lead.
The re-emergence of the US in tackling climate change is critical to how Asian countries frame the climate debate and create policies within their own borders. It also heavily influences the economic and political drivers that will require Asian countries to advance their own domestic climate policies.
