The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to start a new weekly service by publishing brief summary of the latest information from the Japanese governmental organizations & private companies/organizations. A couple of minutes reading to be informed about what is happening in Japan's policy, economy, EU-Japan relations, and innovation.

*Information is deemed correct at the time of release. 

JAPANESE INDUSTRY AND POLICY NEWS

Government to change nuclear policy and expand utilization
At the GX (Green Transformation) executive meeting held on December 22, the government decided on policies for utilizing nuclear power plants, such as rebuilding decommissioned nuclear reactors and extending the operating period. Since the 2011 Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the nuclear power policy has been in the trend of "phasing out nuclear power", but it will shift to a new policy that maximizes the use of existing nuclear power plants. While the global trend toward decarbonization is progressing, the supply and demand of energy is becoming tight due to factors such as Russia's invasion to Ukraine. The basic energy plan calls for increasing the ratio of nuclear power generation from about 7% in FY2021 to 20-22% in FY2030.

Cabinet Secretariat website (in Japanese): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/gx_jikkou_kaigi/dai5/siryou1.pdf

The government has designated 11 areas of special importance, such as semiconductors　
On December 20, the government approved a cabinet order designating 11 fields, such as semiconductors, as "special important materials" to ensure a stable supply, based on the Economic Security Promotion Law. It will support private business operators who are trying to make their supply chains more resilient in anticipation of emergencies and disasters. These are semiconductors, storage batteries, machine tools, industrial robots, aircraft and ship parts, metal minerals such as manganese and nickel, combustible natural gas, fertilizers, software, etc.11. It will ensure a stable supply of goods that could hinder people's lives and economic activities if there is a shortage.

Cabinet office website (in Japanese): https://www.cao.go.jp/keizai_anzen_hosho/supply_chain.html#bshitei

JX Nippon Mining & Metals and the Netherlands company starts smelting and refining of rare metal tantalum in Brazil
JX Nippon Mining & Metals, a subsidiary of ENEOS Holdings, announced on Dec. 23 that it will launch a joint venture in Brazil with AMG Advanced Material Radical Group, a resource development company in the Netherlands, and jointly operate a tantalum smelting base from January 2023. They raise the purity of tantalum from the ore mined at AMG's Mibra Mine (Minas Gerais State). Tantalum is used in electronic components such as semiconductor materials and capacitors, and is a material that supports the digital society. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), about 60% of the world's estimated tantalum production (2021) comes from Congo, Nigeria and Rwanda in Africa. Tantalum is also included in the list of "specially important materials" under the Economic Security Promotion Law, which the Japanese government approved on Dec 20.

JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation website: https://www.jx-nmm.com/english/newsrelease/fy2022/20221223_02.html

Osaka Gas to produce synthetic methane from biomass-derived CO2 + blue hydrogen
On December 22, Osaka Gas announced that its 100% subsidiary, Osaka Gas USA, will begin feasibility studies on a project to produce synthetic methane (e-methane) using biomass-derived CO2 in the Midwestern United States. By 2030, it aims to start producing up to 200,000 tons of e-methane annually, with a view to liquefying it at the Freeport LNG Terminal and exporting it to Japan. By around July 2023, feasibility studies such as technical studies of blue hydrogen and e-methane production plants, surveys of suitable sites for the capture and storage (CCS) of CO2 generated during blue hydrogen production, and business feasibility studies, will be conducted. conduct. Since e-methane can be used with existing city gas infrastructure and equipment, it is expected to be used in the power generation and transportation fields as it enables a smooth transition to carbon neutrality and a reduction in social costs.

Osaka Gas website: https://www.osakagas.co.jp/en/whatsnew/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2022/12/21/221222_1.pdf

Japan aims to use its G7 platform to promote investments in decarbonising ASEAN economies
Japan presides over the G7 since the turn of the year and the G7 Hiroshima summit is in full preparation. At the G7 summit, Japan aims to discuss investments for its recently launched Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), a discussion to be led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). AZEC is an initiative started with Japan, where it aims to cooperate with ASEAN member states and Australia to decarbonize the ASEAN economies through joint technology development and financing.

Website (in Japanese): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230105/k10013941281000.html