Japan's Climate Crossroads: Ishiba's Renewables Push, Nuclear Debates, and Asia's Energy Future

Welcome! I am Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 126 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter?? The newsletter has been curating Japan-related climate news content weekly since the spring of 2022 and has over 2,560 subscribers. You can subscribe by clicking on the LinkedIn page or the substack link.

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

Found this week's insights valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene????

*note 1: "Climate Curation" newsletter in ???? Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin / note / theLetter. It curates Japan and global climate-tech trends. I hope you like it.

*Disclaimer: Generative AI tools such as Claude Sonet 3.5 have been used for summary and translation assistance ??

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

【1】Japan PM Ishiba eyes more renewables, less nuclear in energy mix - New leader plans stimulus package for 'structural transformation of the economy' [10/12 Nikkei Asia]

• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba prioritizes renewable energy development in Japan's energy policy, indicating a shift from his predecessors. He plans an economic stimulus package to aid households affected by rising prices and promote economic structural change while maintaining a cautious stance on monetary policy.

【2】Where does Shigeru Ishiba stand on the climate issue? [10/13 The Japan Times]

• Prime Minister Ishiba's climate policies show continuity and change from his predecessor's. While maintaining support for nuclear power, he emphasizes geothermal energy. As COP29 approaches, Japan faces pressure to reduce fossil fuel reliance and increase renewables, balancing global commitments with domestic needs.

【3】Japan, ASEAN to hammer out shared rules on cutting carbon emissions - Regional climate framework with Australia issues 10-year action plan [10/12 Nikkei Asia]

• Leaders from Japan, Australia, and ASEAN have agreed on shared rules for emissions reporting and a 10-year action plan to fight climate change. Japan aims to lead Southeast Asian decarbonization efforts, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns and countering China's regional influence.

【4】Japan eyes new tech to trap CO2 from power plants in basalt - Joint project hopes to use the common rock to store greenhouse gas underground [10/13 Nikkei Asia]

• Japan partners with US researchers to develop CO2 capture and storage technology using basalt rock.
• JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration and the Japan Carbon Frontier Organization will sign a memorandum of understanding this month with the University of Wyoming on cooperation in field trials.
• This method could potentially store vast amounts of CO2, equivalent to 30 times that absorbed by Japan's forests in 2022. The project seeks to advance Japan's 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

【5】Japan’s Biggest Business Lobby Calls For Nuclear Power Expansion [10/11 Bloomerg]

• Keidanren releases recommendations for energy strategy review
• Atomic power will be crucial to meet rising industrial demand

• Japan's largest business lobby, Keidanren, urges the government to include nuclear power expansion in the national energy strategy. The group argues that renewable energy alone cannot meet increased electricity demand from industries due to electrification, AI, and new technologies.
• Keidanren warns of potential industrial decline without nuclear power and calls for clear plans to construct next-generation reactors. The lobby also recommends diversifying LNG procurement and expanding strategic reserves to ensure energy security.

【6】Japan pushes fossil fuel tech in Asia carbon neutrality initiative [10/9 The Japan Times]

• Japan's Asia Zero, Emission Community initiative, faces criticism as one-third of its agreements involve fossil fuel technologies. Environmental groups express concern that these projects may hinder progress towards carbon neutrality despite the initiative's stated goals.

【7】Exclusive: Japan could boost LNG buys for emergency reserve to nearly 1 mln T a year, METI official says [10/14 Reuters]

• Japan is expanding its LNG emergency reserves to enhance energy security. The plan involves increasing annual purchases from 0.21 to 0.84 million tonnes, with JERA managing acquisitions. This move protects against unexpected supply shocks in the world's second-largest LNG market.

【8】Asia likely to experience nuclear energy resurgence, ABB says - European energy giant notes small modular reactors are gaining popularity [10/14 Nikkei Asia]

• ABB forecasts a nuclear power revival in Asia as countries seek cleaner energy. While renewables grow, they have limitations. ABB backs diverse solutions, including hydrogen and carbon capture, to meet urgent energy needs while progressing towards decarbonization goals.

【9】Amazon Prefers Renewables in Asia as Nuclear Still Elusive [10/11 Bloomberg Green]

• Asia holds potential for green power deals, says executive
• Company had earlier bought a nuclear-powered data center in US

• Amazon is focusing on wind and solar energy for its green power projects in Asia, despite global tech companies exploring nuclear options for data centers. Ken Haig, APAC head of energy policy at Amazon Web Services, states that nuclear procurement is yet to be possible in the region. This contrasts with the US, where Amazon and Microsoft embrace nuclear power. Asia presents challenges but also great potential for green energy acquisition. Amazon has already enabled 83 renewable projects in the Asia Pacific, generating over 2.2 gigawatts. The company aims to secure more clean power agreements in Southeast Asia and India, viewing renewables as the most viable option.

【10】Japan Mobility Show looks to spark links with startups [10/15 NHK World]

• The Japan Mobility Show 2024 highlights collaboration between established automakers and startups. It showcases innovative technologies like Toyota's portable hydrogen cartridges and advanced EV charging solutions, aiming to boost competitiveness in electric and autonomous vehicles.

*Shift to EV-only future would spell job losses, Toyota chairman warns [10/10 Reuters]

• Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, cautions against an EV-only future, citing potential job losses in the engine-related sector. Toyota advocates for a diverse approach to zero-emissions, including hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, alongside EVs.

[Event Info]

• 10/18 - Japan Climate Action Summit 2024 [Japan Climate Initiative ]

I plan to be there! Please let me know if you will be around ??♂?

• The Japan Climate Action Summit 2024 will bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss critical climate policies, renewable energy expansion, and Japan's role in global climate action. This event offers a comprehensive overview of Japan's climate change landscape and aims to inspire broader societal engagement.
• 11/10 - Be Part of Japan’s Largest Climate Fresk | University of Tokyo

Japan's largest Climate Fresk event at the University of Tokyo will be held on November 10th. This free, record-setting workshop offers an engaging way to learn about climate change. Part of Alter COP29, it aims to bring together 150 participants for a simultaneous climate education experience.

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

Found this week's news topics valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene????

*note: "Climate Curation" newsletter in ???? Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin / note / theLetter. It curates Japan and global climate-tech trends. I hope you like it.

• Please feel free to email me?at hiroyasu.Ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org if you have any research/consulting needs for your business or just want to have a coffee chat?.
• My personal Twitter(X) account (in ????Japanese) @SocialCompany

ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)