Japan Japan

Japan’s CCPI ranking continues to fall, to place 58th in this year’s edition, giving it a very low rating.

Japan receives a low rating in the GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Energy Use categories. The country also maintains its very low rating in Climate Policy.

Still falling short despite promising moves

At the May 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan committed to largely decarbonising its energy sector by 2035, while also promising it would have no new coal power plants. A target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 has also been given.

Despite these commitments, the CCPI country experts criticise the lack of a concrete roadmap towards achieving the targets. The experts indicate Japan will continue using coal power plants in 2050. Japan also formulated its Green Transformation policy in 2023. However, rather than promoting a transition from fossil fuels, it enables Japan to maintain fossil fuel usage through so-called ‘innovative technologies.’

Biomass rapidly increasing

Biomass power in Japan has seen rapidly increasing use. A new feed-in premium program has been in effect since April 2022, with biomass power reaching a 3,610 MW capacity that June. Most of the biomass is imported, and it is increasing year on year.

International blockage persists for decarbonised power systems

The CCPI experts note that in the G7 process, Japan blocked discussions on decarbonised power and transport systems. The experts stress this blocking continues in other international fora, such as the UNFCCC. Some Japanese investments in other Asian countries also support the deployment of ‘false solutions‘ that lead to continued use of fossil fuels without meaningfully lowering carbon emissions, such as with hydrogen and ammonia co-firing with fossil fuels.

The CCPI experts strongly recommend Japan halt its efforts in maintaining coal power plants and set a concrete target for phasing out coal-fired power. Along with this, Japan needs to develop and implement effective carbon pricing and a robust renewable energy development plan. Japan’s NDC also needs to be reviewed to be aligned with the Paris 1.5°C goal, and clear targets are needed for moving away from fossil fuels.

Key Outcomes

  • Japan’s CCPI ranking continues to fall, to place 58th in this year’s editio
  • At the May 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan committed to largely decarbonising its energy sector by 2035, while also promising it would have no new coal power plants
  • Japan needs to develop and implement effective carbon pricing and a robust renewable energy development plan

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

Key Indicators

CCPI 2024: Target comparison