GlobalData: Coal to play integral part in Japan’s power sector following COVID-19

Solar is the major driving force for renewable deployment in the country. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, revisions in the tariff structure and grid interconnection issues were likely to slow down deployment. Amid these times, the country witnessed a halt in construction activity, which is expected to further delay the installation of fresh capacities.

With hiccups in the solar front, coal is expected to continue to play an integral role in the country’s power sector. Despite the low power demand, the abnormal weather conditions and low availability of nuclear facilities are expected to support the high consumption of coal for electricity generation. In 1Q20, Japan imported 44.8 million t of coal, which increased by 3.4% in comparison to 43.3 million t imported in 1Q19.

Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Japan, in its quest to meet the target of having 24% of its energy use from renewables by 2030, made investments in the solar and offshore wind a priority. However, these efforts are expected to experience a setback due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As China forms an integral part of the solar supply chain, the onset of the pandemic has affected the shipment of photovoltaic modules and other equipment for many Japanese developers.

“As per the last amendments to Renewable Energy Act, solar projects have to meet strict deadlines to reach commercial operation, the government has released an aid to help the projects bound by power purchase agreements. In the US$1.1 trillion stimulus package, the government has made provisions of US$1bn for the development of onsite renewables which are expected to support corporate power purchase agreements under their commitment to the RE100 initiative.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/05062020/globaldata-coal-to-play-integral-part-in-japans-power-sector-following-covid-19/