Japan Net Zero Plan Hits Speed Bump as Small Utilities Balk

Fossil fuel-dependent utilities unable to join climate goals
Prime Minister Suga has pledged net-zero GHG emissions by 2050

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By Stephen Stapczynski and Aya Takada

October 29, 2020 at 4:33 AM UTC

Updated on

October 29, 2020 at 9:57 AM UTC

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Japan’s pledge to be a net-zero greenhouse gas emitter by 2050 is running into headwinds: smaller power utilities addicted to coal and natural gas.

Regional electricity providers including Hokkaido Electric Power Co. and Shikoku Electric Power Co. said this week they can’t set deadlines to become emissions neutral because it’s too costly to replace power output that would be lost by closing plants that burn fossil fuels.