By Yuka Obayashi
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan has set an ambitious target for renewable energy in the nation’s electricity mix by 2030 as it aims to tackle climate change and achieve its 2050 carbon neutral goal.
Under the plan, put forward in July and approved by Japan’s cabinet on Friday, renewables should account for 36-38% of power supplies in 2030, double 2019’s level and well above its previous 2030 target for 22-24%.
In April, Japan raised its 2030 target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 46% from 26% on 2013 levels, responding to pressure from the United States as world leaders met for a climate summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden.
G20 leaders meet in Glasgow this month to discuss emissions cuts scientists say are needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
The latest policy comes with no significant changes from the draft released in July, despite 6,400 public comments including criticism for its coal and nuclear policy.
In green energy, Japan will aim for 14-16% to come from solar, 5% from wind, 1% from geothermal, 11% from hydropower and 5% from biomass.
But Japan’s nuclear target was left unchanged at 20-22%, despite the country struggling to return the industry to its former central role after the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
To meet the target about 30 reactors will need to restart, from only eight reactors operating now. The country had 54 operable reactors previously. JAPAN/O
Experts say the nuclear target will difficult to achieve in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, which led to a big shift in public opinion away from the energy source.
“The 2050 target and the 2030 goal to cut emissions by 46% are the right decisions as they finally brought Japan up to global standards,” said Takeo Kikkawa, vice president of International University of Japan.
“But Japan will likely miss the 2030 target as renewables could only reach 30% due to a lack of suitable solar sites and nuclear power could rise only up to 15% with about 20 reactors running,” said Kikukawa, also an adviser to the government on energy policy.
The use of coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, will be reduced to 19% from a previous target of 26%, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be lowered to 20% from 27% and oil will be cut to 2% from 3%.
Newer fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia will account for about 1% of the electricity mix by 2030.
“Japan could achieve its 2050 goal as ammonia and hydrogen are expected to become carbon-free fuels for thermal power and Japan’s ultimate weapon on the road to carbon neutrality,” Kikukawa said.
The government revises its basic energy plan once every three to four years.
(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi, editing by Louise Heavens)
