Winds of Change: Japan's Offshore Energy Push and Global EV Competition

Welcome! I am Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 119 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 2,460 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.

*note 2: At the "Media is Hope AWARD 2024" ceremony held on August 23rd, the "Climate Curation" newsletter was honored with the "Media Contribution Award." I'm deeply grateful for this recognition. Thanks also to the readers who subscribe to the newsletter and always read (or skim) the contents.

The award committee acknowledged my work, noting that I use cutting-edge technologies like generative AI to analyze and curate important climate-related topics as a media consultant. My weekly newsletter, which covers global climate news, solutions, and climate tech, has over 1,700 subscribers in Japanese and 2,800 for the English version that shares climate-related information internationally.

I'm honored by this recognition and will do my best to continue providing valuable content bridging the climate change communication gap.

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

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

【1】Hokkaido more plugged in to renewable energy than rest of Japan [8/26 The Japan Times??]

• Hokkaido leads Japan in renewable energy adoption, with plans to increase its share further. Abundant resources and supportive policies drive this progress. However, grid upgrades and balancing local benefits with national energy needs remain key challenges.
• In fiscal 2023, Hokkaido generated over 40% of its electricity from renewable sources, nearly double the national average.
• The local government aims for 60% renewable electricity by 2030, compared to Japan's 36-38% goal.
• Challenges include grid capacity, investment costs, and ensuring local benefits from increased renewable usage.

【2】Japan's offshore wind sector gears up as foreign players expand - Germany's RWE adds local personnel and Vestas boosts parts procurement [8/24 Nikkei Asia??]

• Japan's offshore wind sector is attracting foreign players, with companies like RWE and Iberdrola expanding their workforce. The government targets 45 GW capacity by 2040. While foreign expertise could strengthen the local supply chain, profitability remains a concern due to geographical limitations and high costs.

【3】GLOBAL OFFSHORE WIND SUMMIT JAPAN 2024 [2024.09.03 Tue.~09.04 Wed. the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)]

"The Global Offshore Wind Summit-Japan (GOWS-J) is Japan's leading offshore wind power event. It will leverage Japan's significant potential and robust industrial foundation in offshore wind power generation.

This event, which brings together over 700 domestic and international offshore wind power market participants, features expert lectures, discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. It collaborates with host municipalities to contribute to regional consensus building on offshore wind power.

GOWS-J is organized jointly by the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) under the Global Partner Agreement signed between the two organizations.

Here are key themes of the Global Offshore Wind Summit-Japan 2024 according to the media partner publication, HORIZON, the media platform for sustainable tech and insights in Asia

• Addressing challenges in Japan's offshore wind industry
• Facilitating international industry exchanges
• Promoting local understanding and talent development in offshore wind development regions
• Visiting Ishikari Hachinosawa Wind Farm (side event)

【4】Ember Briefing Paper: Renewable Electricity in Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan [8/26 Climate Integrate]

"In collaboration with Ember, an independent energy policy think tank, Climate Integrate released a briefing paper summarizing the current status of renewables in Japan and the way forward as the government develops the 7th Strategic Energy Plan."

【5】Japan's Toyota Tsusho to develop and supply biofuels in Indonesia - Trader will work with state-run Pertamina to support decarbonization efforts [8/21 Nikkei Asia]

• Toyota Tsusho partners with Indonesia's Pertamina to develop renewable energy sources, focusing on biofuels and green hydrogen. This project, part of Japan's efforts to support decarbonization in Southeast Asia, aims to begin demonstrations in 2026 and commercialize after 2028.
• Project aims to supply renewable energy to Patimban Port and the industrial park in West Java.
• Part of a broader AZEC initiative involving about 70 decarbonization projects in Southeast Asia

【6】China's BYD beats Honda and Nissan in April-June vehicles sold - Leading EV maker shakes up auto industry rankings with affordable price tags [8/23 Nikkei Asia]

• Chinese EV maker BYD has surged to 7th place globally in auto sales, outpacing Japanese rivals Honda and Nissan. With 40% growth and solid overseas performance, BYD's affordable EVs are reshaping the industry landscape. Japanese automakers face challenges in China and globally as the EV market evolves.

【7】Uber-backed e-scooter startup Lime enters Japan after Korea exit [8/18 Bloomberg?? / ??GIft URL]

• Lime, backed by Uber, enters Japan's growing e-scooter market with a cautious approach. The company adapts to strict local regulations and competes with domestic leader Luup. Japan's clear industry framework attracts Lime, contrasting with challenges in other markets like South Korea.

*Wayne Ting, CEO Of Lime, discusses his outlook for business growth and strategy as the e-scooter company launches its ride-sharing service in Japan.

【8】Tokyo startup turns tempura flakes into aviation fuel [8/27 NHK World]

• Ecolio, a Tokyo startup, transforms discarded tempura flakes into sustainable aviation fuel. Their innovative process safely collects and processes these flakes, typically industrial waste. With plans to expand from 200 to 200,000 tons annually, Ecolio sees potential in this unused resource both in Japan and overseas.

【9】Is extreme weather changing the way Japan shops? Heat waves and guerrilla rainstorms are affecting consumer behavior in complicated ways [8/26 The Japan Times??]

• Climate change is reshaping Japan's consumer landscape. Extreme heat discourages shoppers from venturing out, while sudden downpours and intense typhoons complicate matters. Businesses are adapting to new strategies, but the long-term impact on consumption patterns remains to be seen.
• Consumers are staying indoors more, leading to decreased foot traffic and changes in spending patterns.
• Rising temperatures affect crop yields, resulting in higher prices for fruits and vegetables.

【10】How Japan's health care system is gearing up for more heatstroke cases [8/20 The Japan Times]

• Japan's hospitals are adapting to a surge in heatstroke cases due to climate change. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, often arriving in critical condition. Healthcare workers emphasize prevention, early detection, and rapid cooling treatments to manage this growing challenge.

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

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)