Bucking trend, Japan to keep coal power plants under tougher rules

Facilities not meeting 43% efficiency target must be scrapped or upgraded

Coal was responsible for 32% of all power generated in Japan in fiscal 2019, more than any other fuel source except LNG. © Reuters

JUNTARO ARAI, Nikkei staff writer

April 10, 2021 02:45 JST

TOKYO -- Japan will allow coal-fired power plants meeting a stricter efficiency target to continue operating past 2030, defying a growing trend to quit the fossil fuel completely as countries like France and Germany have pledged to.

Every power company in Japan will be required to increase the efficiency of their coal power plants to 43%, under guidelines drafted Friday by an advisory body under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The ministry will identify and update relevant ordinances.