Coal news and updates

Japan’s coal-fired power generation will drop to 26% of its energy mix in fiscal year 2030-31 (April-March), down from 31% in fiscal 2019-20, as the country phases out its inefficient coal-fired power plants with regulatory measures and guidance, according to a policy draft approved April 9 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

 

The policy draft, which was approved by the coal thermal power working group under METI’s advisory committee for natural resources and energy, comes as Japan intends to ensure the country phases out inefficient coal-fired power plants as part of its efforts towards decarbonization.

 

The move follows the launch of discussions by the working group in August, after a directive issued July 3 by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama that the country should start drawing up a new, more effective framework to ensure the phasing out of inefficient coal-fired power plants by 2030 as part of its strategic energy plan.

 

The fifth strategic energy plan approved by the cabinet in July 2018 promotes conversion to high efficiency and next-generation coal-fired power generation in Japan in return for phasing out inefficient coal use.

 

METI on April 9 approved the policy draft, including setting a new regulatory target to raise Japan’s efficiency in coal-fired power generation to 43% from 41% currently by amending the country’s energy conservation act, which would effectively help phase out the country’s inefficient coal-fired power plants.

 

METI has cited the need for Japan to move on reducing its power generation from inefficient coal-fired plants to close to zero to achieve its target of a 26% share for coal in its energy mix in fiscal 2030-31, as there are some new efficient plants under construction.

 

Source : https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com