For Japan, kicking the coal habit will be no easy task

Competition abroad and supply issues at home complicate Suga's G-7 pledges

20210617N Coal plant

A coal-fired power plant in Europe. Japan develops exports of its high-efficiency coal technology overseas, but its G-7 pledge will likely put an end to that. © Reuters

TOMOHIRO EBUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The pledge by Group of Seven rich nations to end support for overseas coal projects this year and move away from the polluting fuel at home presents a particular challenge for Japan, which has few alternatives in either setting.

The agreement reached at the summit calls for members to end all direct government support for international coal power, though funding is allowed to continue for facilities with mitigating technology such as carbon capture and storage.

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