Welcome! I am Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 97 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 2,210 subscribers. You can subscribe by clicking on the Linkedin page or the substack link.
I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!
Nissan and Honda are exploring a partnership in electric vehicles and automotive software amid increasing competition from new market entrants.
They will consider broad cooperation in areas like automobile software, EV batteries, and mutually complementary products, setting up working groups for each theme.
The potential partnership aims to leverage scale in production and technological expertise to reduce costs and innovate, without pursuing a capital alliance for now.
Nissan and Honda's struggle to compete with Tesla's investment in EVs underscores the vast gap in capital spending and market share, despite their potential collaboration efforts.
Japan aims to become a leading producer of offshore wind energy, targeting 10 GW by 2030 and 45 GW by 2040, aiming for 36%-38% renewables in its energy mix.
The government approved legislation for offshore wind power in EEZs, with projects underway and more auctions planned to meet carbon neutrality by 2050.
Challenges include establishing a domestic supply chain with a 60% share by 2040 and collaborations between domestic and foreign companies to expand capacity.
Fourteen Japanese energy firms, including Mitsubishi's wind power unit, JERA, and Tokyo Gas, have formed the Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association[FLOWRA]. This collaborative effort aims to foster the development and commercialization of large-scale floating offshore wind farms, contributing to Japan's goal of becoming a major offshore wind power producer.
With a target of 10 GW by 2030 and up to 45 GW by 2040, floating offshore wind power is pivotal for Japan's decarbonization efforts. The association seeks to develop technology, create international standards, and collaborate with overseas organizations, enhancing Japan's energy stability and supporting local economy and industries.
JERA, Japan's leading power generator, to trial co-firing 20% ammonia with coal at its Hekinan thermal power station from March to June, aiming to decarbonize energy production.
The project, in collaboration with IHI, seeks to reduce CO2 emissions by integrating ammonia, a cleaner fuel, into coal-fired power generation.
JERA aims to increase the ammonia mix to 100% eventually, contributing to global decarbonization efforts and setting a precedent for cleaner coal-fired power generation.
John Podesta, the top US climate envoy, emphasizes Japan's need to expedite renewable energy adoption, highlighting offshore wind technology.
Podesta mentions the importance of nuclear power restarts for Japan to achieve its climate targets and sees significant opportunity for US-Japan collaboration in renewable energy.
Despite Japan's commitment to net zero by 2050, it lags in decarbonization compared to other G7 nations, heavily relying on fossil fuels.
Japan's government is intensifying efforts to gain local approval for restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, as part of a broader initiative to revive its dormant nuclear reactors.
Economic Minister Ken Saito is set to seek the endorsement of Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi for the plant's restart, a move that could significantly reduce Japan's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority lifted a de-facto ban on the plant, which had been in place due to security concerns, and the International Atomic Energy Agency pledged technical support to help regain public trust.
Introduction of the Omakase Berry by Oishii, a heart-shaped strawberry with a unique scent.
High initial demand with sales at Michelin-starred restaurants and packages sold at $50, leading to a significant waitlist.
Superior genetics and optimal indoor farming conditions key to its appeal; now more accessible in over 100 stores with a reduced price of around $12 for six.
At COP28, a significant milestone was set with the goal of tripling the world's renewable energy capacity by 2030, marking a pivotal moment in global energy transition efforts. Highlights from the REvision conference revealed accelerated growth in renewables, particularly in the US and Australia, driven by policy initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and regional aspirations to become renewable leaders. The discussions extended to Japan's strategic energy plan revision, focusing on aligning national goals with global renewable expansion efforts. Strategies for integrating renewables in local communities and the potential of offshore wind energy were also key topics, reflecting a comprehensive approach to achieving this ambitious target.
📬That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) 🙇. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!
*Consulting Service is available for your Japan-related climate or net-zero business. The first 30 minutes of Zoom chat is free, and I could work at an hourly rate starting at $100. Please fill out your request using this link. Thank you!
"Climate Curation" newsletter in 🇯🇵Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin/note/theLetter.
Please feel free to contact me via email: hiroyasu.ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org, if there are any research/consulting needs for your business or just for a coffee chat☕.
My personal Twitter(X) account (in 🇯🇵Japanese) @SocialCompany
