As Japan revisits its energy plan, there is a growing demand for an increased focus on renewable sources like wind and solar power to enhance the country's clean energy transition. Currently, Japan's energy policy has been deemed "insufficient" by Climate Action Tracker regarding necessary emissions reductions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Mika Ohbayashi, director of the Renewable Energy Institute, emphasizes the need for greater incentives for solar installations on buildings and the expansion of commercial-scale solar projects. She also advocates for increasing other renewable sources, including onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.
Environmental organizations like REI, Kiko Network, and Climate Integrate argue that prioritizing wind and solar, the most cost-effective renewable options, is crucial. They criticize Japan's current emphasis on hydrogen and liquefied natural gas, as well as experimental technologies like ammonia co-firing with coal and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
However, the challenge lies in China's dominance over key materials and technologies for the energy transition, such as lithium and cobalt, vital for batteries and solar panels. While these materials are economically advantageous, they often come with ethical concerns, including forced labor in supply chains.
Seaver Wang from the Breakthrough Institute questions the true cost of these technologies, highlighting reports linking solar supply chains to forced labor in Xinjiang, China. He argues against supporting suppliers operating in regions with human rights abuses.
Japan's plans to co-fire ammonia with coal face criticism for not being a viable clean energy solution. Transitioning to more ethical supply chains would require significant investment and time—luxuries that the planet cannot afford amid escalating climate crises.
Collaborating with the U.S. and Europe to develop alternative technologies, such as floating offshore wind, presents another route, though it necessitates substantial policy changes. Walter James, an energy consultant, notes that while Japan acknowledges its reliance on China, it has yet to take decisive action to mitigate this dependence.
Instead, Japan seeks to bolster its domestic industry through CCS, hydrogen, and emerging technologies like perovskite solar cells and floating offshore wind.
China's state-supported industrial policies have enabled it to dominate the solar and battery markets, pushing Japan and Europe out of leadership roles. This shift raises concerns about Japan's economic security and energy transition.
Despite the challenges, climate advocacy groups recognize China's rapid advancements in renewables, suggesting that Japan could benefit from China's surplus solar capacity to reduce fossil fuel reliance. However, much of Japan's recent solar growth has been dependent on Chinese imports.
Wang asserts that maintaining domestic control of clean energy supply chains is vital for future economic development. He questions why countries like Japan would willingly surrender leadership in transformative technologies.
The human rights implications of China's production practices, particularly concerning forced labor in Xinjiang, loom large. Reports detail the oppressive conditions faced by Uyghurs in labor camps, raising ethical concerns about the supply chains for solar panels and batteries.
Japan has focused less on competing directly with China in solar and batteries and more on promoting alternative technologies through initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community. This approach contrasts with the U.S., which has introduced incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of renewables while imposing tariffs on Chinese imports due to human rights violations.
Despite the pressure to take a firmer stance against China, Japan's vulnerability to potential retaliation has led to a cautious approach. Current voluntary supply chain due diligence measures may need strengthening to prevent human rights abuses.
While Japan's leadership in rare earth minerals is gaining attention, the focus remains on diversifying supply chains. Opportunities lie in offshore wind technology and innovative solar solutions, positioning Japan to reduce its dependence on China and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
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