Japan can Achieve 90% Clean Power Share by 2035 Report Claims

A decline in the cost of solar, wind and battery storage means Japan can get 90% of its power from clean electricity by 2035, a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, backed by the US energy department, claims.

According to a Reuters report, the study also revealed that Japan's power grid, with extra battery storage and inter-regional transmission lines, can remain reliable without coal generation or new gas-fired power plants.

The study is based on modelling using the latest cost data on renewables and batteries and is consistent with Japan's 2030 policy goals and the G7 commitment.

However, it also highlighted that clear policies, such as setting medium-term targets beyond 2030 and corresponding renewable deployment goals, were required to take advantage of the economic, environmental, and energy security benefits.

Japan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 versus 2013 levels by boosting renewable energy in its electricity mix to 36%-38%, double 2019's levels, and nuclear power to 20%-22% from 2019's 6%.

As the world's fifth-biggest emitter, Japan also aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Under the scenario with the least-cost combination of generation, storage and transmission, renewable power, including floating offshore wind, totals 70% of the electricity mix by 2035, with nuclear and gas-fired power accounting for 20% and 10%, respectively, while existing coal power plants are phased out, the study said.

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