Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The environmental group Greenpeace welcomed the Japanese government’s decision to close or suspend about 100 of the country’s coal-fired power plants by 2030.

 “This indication by the government marks a significant turning point in the discussion around climate and energy in Japan,” said Hanna Hakko, a senior energy campaigner at Greenpeace Japan.

“We welcome the Japanese government’s intention to change existing policy and to reduce the levels of CO2-intensive coal-fired power generation,” she went on, adding that the change had long been sought after by investors, businesses and young people concerned about the environment.

Japan has 140 coal-fired power plants currently in use, out of which the government has reportedly decided to close approximately 100 of the most inefficient over the next decade. Coal makes up about a third of the country’s energy supply mix.

“Japan needs to tackle squarely the challenge of realizing a carbon-free society” in accordance with the global trend, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

Additionally, Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said “this is a major step toward showing Japan’s unwavering resolve to realize a carbon-free society to the international community.”

While Greenpeace welcomed the decision, it expressed concern about the facilities that will apparently remain open and about plans to construct new ones.

“These plans must be brought to a halt and canceled as soon as possible,” said the statement from the organization.

Greenpeace added that it was troubled at the possibility of the coal plants being replaced with nuclear energy, which it considers extremely dangerous.