Flag of Japan. Photo by Kulbir on Pexels.com
The Japanese government is set to temporarily relax restrictions on coal fired power plants for one year starting April to help secure electricity supply, officials said Thursday.
The move came as authorities weighed the risk of prolonged disruptions in energy imports linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Previously, power companies had been encouraged to keep coal plant utilization at around 50 percent or lower as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Officials said the policy shift is intended to prepare for possible constraints in the supply of liquefied natural gas.
Sources said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will present the proposal to an expert panel for discussion on Friday.
The adjustment is seen as a precautionary measure to maintain stable power generation if fuel imports become limited.
Government data showed that in fiscal year 2024, natural gas accounted for 31.8 percent of Japan’s energy mix, followed by coal at 28.6 percent and oil at 7.2 percent.
