SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Japan commits to reducing its GHG emissions by 60% by 2035

Japan is reviewing its energy policy to achieve a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035, in line with COP28 targets.

Share:

Le Japon s'engage à réduire ses émissions de GES de 60% d'ici 2035.

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90€/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99€/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

Japan has embarked on an in-depth review of its energy policy in order to meet the growing demand to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of this initiative, the government is aiming for a 60% reduction in GHG emissions by 2035, a crucial step towards achieving the climate targets set at COP28. This revision marks a decisive turning point for the country, often perceived as dependent on fossil fuels.

An Evolving Strategic Plan

In May 2023, Japan launched a series of discussions to develop a new Strategic Energy Plan, scheduled to be finalized by the end of fiscal year 2024-2025. This plan, a pillar of national energy policy, is essential for strengthening energy security and accelerating decarbonization. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ken Saito, stressed the importance of this plan in a global context marked by geopolitical instability and energy supply risks exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.

Towards a Flexible Energy Transition

The revision of the Strategic Energy Plan coincides with the need to formulate a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, is focusing on the flexibility of the country’s energy structure. At a meeting of the “GX 2040 Vision” working group in May, Kishida stressed the importance of a flexible approach to adapting to unforeseen changes in the energy sector.

Objectives and challenges

Japan’s current target, according to the 6th Strategic Energy Plan, is to increase the share of non-fossil energy sources to around 60% of the electricity mix by fiscal 2030-2031. Renewables should account for 36-38% of the mix, nuclear 20-22%, and hydrogen/ammonia around 1%. However, this transition to low-carbon energy poses considerable challenges, particularly in terms of technology and stability of supply.

Implications for Industry

The revision of the Strategic Energy Plan is being closely scrutinized by industrial players, who see it as a guide for their investment and energy procurement decisions. The flexibility envisaged by the government could enable more dynamic adaptation to market fluctuations and technological advances, strengthening the resilience of Japan’s energy sector in the face of global uncertainties. The revision of Japan’s energy policy and the establishment of a new strategic vision for 2040 demonstrate the country’s commitment to playing a leading role in the fight against climate change. This transformation, though complex and demanding, is essential to guarantee a sustainable and secure energy future for Japan.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Iberdrola adds 708 MW of solar capacity to joint venture with Norges Bank
EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric launch 150 MW solar facility in New Mexico
TotalEnergies sells Norwegian oil assets to Vår Energi to reduce debt
Clariant targeted by BP and ExxonMobil in ethylene case
Exxon to cut up to 500 jobs in Singapore as part of global restructuring
Ottawa allocates CAD3mn to support Indigenous-led critical mineral infrastructure projects
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Africa aims for local transformation to gain weight in the global energy economy
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
Global renewable capacity set to double by 2030, led by solar power
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria commits $60 billion to strengthen its energy strategy by 2029
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China’s clean tech exports reach $20bn in August
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
Ukrainian strike cuts power to 5,400 homes in Belgorod region
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
French Academy of Sciences warns of economic risks linked to solar geoengineering
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
Federal shutdown threatens permit delays and energy projects in the United States
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
US energy agencies prepare to suspend operations amid budget deadlock
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
EMBER: Chile could save $15mn annually by reducing renewable energy losses
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Denmark increases energy security after unidentified drone flyovers
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
France: Lecornu rules out a freeze on solar and wind power
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait adds 14 GW of power capacity by 2031 to avoid shortages
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
Ignite Power joins the $270 million Pro Energia+ programme in Mozambique
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
Brussels imposes a new fee system for monitoring energy markets
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
EDF faces €460bn investment programme as Court of Auditors warns the state
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
Washington to return $13bn in unobligated energy transition funds
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Trump threatens IEA with withdrawal if anti-oil stance is not revised
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Southeast Asia’s power demand drives massive integration of solar and wind
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.
France: Emmanuelle Wargon takes the helm of ACER’s Board of Regulators
The President of the Energy Regulatory Commission was elected to the presidency of the Board of Regulators of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for a two-and-a-half-year term.