Situation of Energy in Japan
With limited resources of an energy self-sufficiency rate of about 8%, Japan is required to combine and balance various energy sources.
Coal-fired power has high provision stability and outstanding economic feasibility, and is essential to achieve the "3E+S"* energy mix in the energy basic policy of Japan.
*Basic concept of Japan’s energy policy, consisting of Energy security, Economic efficiency, Environment, and Safety.
Japan's energy self-sufficiency is just 8%
Among the 35 OECD member states, this is the second lowest level, after Luxembourg.
Forecast for Japan's energy mix
Even according to the government's energy supply and demand forecast created assuming participation in the Paris Agreement, coal-fired power is expected to cover 26% in 2030.
Coal-fired power has outstanding provision stability and economic feasibility
Compared to oil and natural gas, there are more extensive reserves of coal. It is spread broadly throughout the world, primarily in politically stable nations, and so stable provision can be expected. Furthermore, it is a resource that is less expensive than other fossil fuels and experiences little price fluctuations.
Isn’t coal the energy of the past?
No, it will continue to supply the world with electricity.
Coal-fired power stations that use coal with excellent supply stability and economy as their fuel will continue to support electricity around the world, for which demand will grow in Asian countries in addition to Japan in the future, as a base-load power source that can supply electricity stably and at low cost.
Issues with coal resources
While coal has outstanding provision stability and economic feasibility, there is an issue in that emissions of CO2, considered a cause of global warming, are significant, even when compared to other fossil fuels. Reducing the amount of CO2 emissions from coal-fired power generation is the key for global warming countermeasures.
Future of Coal-Fired Power Generation
Demand for coal-fired power generation depends on the region
Approximately 40% of the world's generated electricity is coal-fired, making it the largest rate. Even in Germany, which is pro-actively implementing renewable energy, coal-fired power supports the electricity supply.
While there are movements towards reducing the use of coal, it is expected that increasing populations and increasing electricity consumption will expand the demand for coal-fired power generation, particularly in Asian countries.
Ratio of coal-fired power generation in major countries
Amount of global power generation (New Policies Scenario)
Forecast for fluctuation in coal- and gas-fired power generation capacity in major regions (2017-2040) [GW]
Adjustment Capability Required for Thermal Power Generation
The key to balancing power supply and demand is in the "adjustment capability" of coal-fired power generation!
As the implementation of renewable energy such as solar and wind power generation expands, there are larger fluctuations in output due to reasons such as the season or weather. By using thermal power generation to adjust the fluctuation in output, the balance of supply and demand can be controlled. In order to further advance the spread of renewable energy, it is vital to have a power source with "adjustment capability."
Illustration of power demand and generated power
The figure was created based on the "Illustration of power demand and generated power" in the link above.
Japanese Clean Coal Technology: Changing the World
Japan, a resource-importing country, is aiming for an energy mix that combines a good balance of thermal power, hydro power, nuclear power and renewable energy to achieve a stable power supply. Of all these resources, Japan has substantial reserves of coal, and given its low cost and stability, there is a need to continue tapping into this resource in the future.
On the other hand, there is an urgent need to develop clean coal technology to enhance the power generation efficiency of coal-fired thermal power and to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to combat global warming. Osaki CoolGen Project is a demonstration project aiming to achieve innovative low-carbon coal-fired thermal power generation that combines the ultimate high-efficiency power generation technology of integrated coal gasification fuel cell combined cycle (IGFC) and CO2 capture technology.
Source: OSAKI CoolGen
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The 10 largest coal producers and exporters in Indonesia:
The 10 largest coal producers and exporters in Indonesia:
