(Construction) - The government announced the Green Growth Strategy at the end of last year which includes goals and policies to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050.
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| Japan announces Green Growth Strategy to achieve carbon neutral society by 2050. |
In the plan, fourteen sectors, including offshore wind power, infrastructure, and housing and buildings, have been identified as drivers for decarbonization. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stated in his policy speech at the Diet session in October 2020 that the country would aim to realize a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society by 2050. The strategy stipulates ambitious goals and the supportive policies and incentives to encourage the private sector to make bold investments. The annual economic benefits of the plan are estimated to reach 90 trillion yen by 2030 and 190 trillion yen by 2050.
Japan aims to maximize introduction of renewable energies, though it is difficult to cover all electricity demand with renewables due to natural conditions and the high cost. The strategy calls for the electricity mix to be 50-60% renewable energy and 30-40% nuclear power and thermal power with CO2 recovery technologies by 2050, with all power to be provided by carbon-free sources.
The strategy lists the priority fourteen fields including offshore wind power, hydrogen utilization, automobiles and storage batteries, logistics, infrastructure, and housing and buildings. In the field of logistics, and infrastructure, the government plans to develop "carbon-neutral ports" that will both decarbonize and enhance the logistics capacity. It would also introduce smart transportation, the creation of zero-emission infrastructure and urban spaces, and aim at realization of the carbon-neutral construction process.
In the carbon recycling industry, the market for CO2 absorbing concrete will be expanded. For the housing sector, the government aims to improve living conditions and lifestyles, build carbon neutral cities, and expand its technology overseas. The plan also stated efforts to promote ZEH (Net Zero Energy House), ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building), and wooden buildings. (2021/01/28)
The Daily Engineering and Construction News of Japan
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