Sourcing Renewables - October 27, 2021
Japan Sets 36-38% RE Sourcing Target
The Government of Japan released Oct. 22 a new target to source 36-38% of its national electricity mix from renewable sources by 2030, accelerating its previous target for 22-24% by that date.
The new plan was established in July and approved by the cabinet last week, Reuters reported. Japan raised its 2030 target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions from 26% to 46% in April in response to pressure from the U.S.
If achieved, this renewable electricity mix would double the country’s 2019 levels. The renewable energy target will also help the country in the pursuit of its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
Japan will aim for 14-16% of its renewable energy supply to come from solar, 5% from wind, 1% from geothermal, 11% from hydropower and 5% from biomass.
“The 2050 target and the 2030 goal to cut emissions by 46% are the right decisions as they finally brought Japan up to global standards,” Takeo Kikkawa, vice president of International University of Japan, told the publication. “But Japan will likely miss the 2030 target as renewables could only reach 30% due to a lack of suitable solar sites and nuclear power could rise only up to 15% with about 20 reactors running.”
Japan’s target for nuclear energy remained at 20-22%, while the use of coal will be reduced to 19% from a previous target of 26%, liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be lowered to 20% from 27% and oil will be cut to 2% from 3%.
Hydrogen and ammonia could also be key to Japan reaching its 2050 carbon neutral target.
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