On October 13, 2024, Japan announced plans to close its least efficient coal-fired power plants by 2030, according to Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao.
Key points:
In 2023, coal accounted for nearly 29% of Japan's electricity generation, with fossil fuels making up two-thirds of total production.
Natural gas surpassed coal, contributing approximately 32% of the energy mix.
To meet a 46% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, Japan will also focus on renewable energy and restarting nuclear reactors.
The closure of subcritical coal units, which represent only about 20% of the coal fleet, is viewed as a modest step.
Global trends show a shift away from coal, with the EU and G7 committing to phase out coal by 2035.
In 2023, global coal power generation was 35.5%, making it the largest energy source, followed by natural gas (22.5%).
Despite the closures, global coal capacity increased by 2% in 2023, driven by new plants in China.
This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to transition towards cleaner energy sources while addressing climate commitments.