Ammonia-Coal "Innovations", Japan's EV Challenge, and Fukushima's Treated Water

Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue?67?of "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter??, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022. You can subscribe by clicking on the?Linkedin page , or via the substack link - [https://japanclimatecuration.substack.com ]

Ten news articles were curated this week, covering a deep dive into cleaner energy, such as ammonia-coal co-firing, Japanese Carmakers' EV challenge, Fukushima's treated water,?and more.

I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!

[Note]: I am available to offer my research and consulting services for your Japan-related climate or net-zero business. The first 30 minutes of Zoom chat is free, and I could work at an hourly rate starting at $50. Please fill out your request using?this link . Thank you!

[????????Japan Climate News Headlines]

【1】Japan warms to disputed coal power technology under West's icy stare [8/11 Nikkei Asia]

• Japan is exploring ammonia-coal co-firing as a cleaner energy alternative, with leading power generator JERA initiating a test run, aiming to use 100% ammonia by 2050.?
• While G7 nations criticize this approach, suggesting it perpetuates coal usage, many Asian countries support Japan's initiative. Ammonia, if produced responsibly, can lower coal plant emissions.?
• However, diverse opinions exist, with some experts advocating for its potential and others pointing to environmental concerns.

【2】Opinion: Asian wind power development isn't moving fast enough [8/15 Nikkei Asia]

• Despite its potential, the Asia-Pacific region is not tapping into offshore wind power rapidly enough. The key to this development is collaboration, which needs improvement.?
• This absence is felt in supply chain development, marine planning, and infrastructure. While China leads in wind energy, other markets show promise.?
• Learning from Europe's success, Asia needs cooperative, not localized, strategies for effective offshore wind deployment.

【3】China’s July automobile exports jump 63 per cent, helping extend the lead over Japan as the world’s biggest vehicle-exporting economy [8/13 South China Morning Post]

• In July, China's vehicle exports soared by 63% from last year, with 80% being local brands. The growth solidifies China's position over Japan as the world's top vehicle exporter.
• ?Although growth decreased from June, demand for Chinese cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs), is escalating in global markets.

【4】How China became a car-exporting juggernaut [8/10 The Economist / ??Gift URL]

• China is fast approaching eclipsing traditional leaders, Germany and Japan, in car exports. A shift was observed around 2020, with China exporting 2.7 million cars by 2022.?
• Their growing expertise in electric vehicles, due to more straightforward mechanics and state investment, largely propelled this.?
• Also, China has capitalized on the Russian market, filling the void left by Western carmakers after the Ukraine crisis. Despite the growth, the sustainability of Chinese EV-makers, largely reliant on state subsidies, remains a question.

【5】Japanese Carmakers See Next Few Years as Fight for Survival in China [8/9 The Wall Street Journal]

• Japanese car companies are grappling with significant challenges in China's automotive market. These automakers are re-strategizing their operations when facing stiff competition from local brands, especially in the burgeoning EV segment.?
• Notably, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda have adjusted their sales projections and plans in response to the market shifts. Foreign automakers dominated the Chinese market for decades, but local brands have overtaken it with a 54% market share this year.

【6】China-led EV boom in Thailand threatens Japan's grip on key market [7/10 Reuters]

• Once a stronghold for Japanese automakers, Thailand witnesses a paradigm shift as China intensifies its EV investments, surpassing $1.44 billion since 2020.?
• This shift is exemplified by Siam Motors' potential alliances with Chinese EV companies. As EV registrations rise, Thailand's bid to be a regional EV hub strengthens.

【7】The Electric: Is Toyota Right to Be Skeptical About EVs? [8/14 The Information / ??Gift URL]

• Toyota recently introduced a hybrid version of its iconic Land Cruiser, reflecting its consistent stance on straddling between combustion and electric propulsion.?
• As the world's largest automaker, Toyota's skepticism towards pure EVs has faced criticism. However, growing hybrid sales, influenced by more affordable prices than EVs, signal a possible industry shift.?
• With other significant players like Ford recalibrating their strategies towards hybrids and regulatory uncertainties about future bans, the role of hybrids in the future automotive landscape is evolving.

【8】Coastal towns brace for Fukushima water release, from Japan to Jeju [8/9 Nikkei Asia]

• Like Takuma Ide's, coastal town Iwaki's businesses are anxious about releasing treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. While the IAEA approves, foreign nations fear its implications, with some implementing seafood bans. The 2011 disaster's impact remains a significant concern.

【9】Poll: Fewer fishery distributors oppose treated water release [8/14 NHK WORLD-JAPAN News]

• A recent survey reveals declining opposition to the release of treated water from Fukushima Daiichi. From 66.9% in 2019, only 28.9% of fishery distributors oppose it. However, concerns still need to be addressed over adequate public information (61.2%). International standards approve the plan, but consumer perception is a challenge.

【10】South Korea: Protesters rail against Fukushima release plan [8/12 DW]

• Hundreds gathered in Seoul opposing Japan's proposal to discharge Fukushima's treated wastewater into the sea, fearing food safety and environmental impacts.?
• Many criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol's endorsement. Korea Radiation Watch highlighted ecological concerns. Democratic Party of Korea plans a UN complaint.

??That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) ??. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!

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ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)