Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Japan

  • What We’re Reading: Saving One Centuries-Old Tree at a Time

    Arborists in Japan are utilizing nemawashi to relocate ancient trees, showcasing the country's reverence for nature and heritage. Meanwhile, three Indian teens have developed Plas-Stick, a cost-effective method using biodegradable magnetic tamarind powder to remove microplastics from water. This solution, which requires no electricity or complex machinery, offers a straightforward and scalable approach to combatting microplastic pollution in rivers and oceans.

    https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-saving-trees-japan/

  • Japan and UK eye ‘much cheaper’ floating wind buildout through subsea robotics

    Japan and the UK are collaborating on offshore wind projects, with a focus on floating wind technology. Masakatsu Terazaki of FLOWRA highlighted the potential for cost-effective buildout of floating wind farms using subsea robotics. This partnership aims to advance offshore wind technology and help both countries achieve their renewable energy goals.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/technology/japan-and-uk-eye-much-cheaper-floating-wind-buildout-through-subsea-robotics/2-1-2019159

  • Where solar meets the soil: The multi-benefit potential of ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics

    The energy industry is experiencing a surge in demand from data centers, crypto mining, and electric vehicles, while the federal government continues to prioritize fossil fuels. However, photovoltaic solar technology has become more efficient and cost-effective, offering a promising alternative energy source. Emerging methods like ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics are promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health by using PV solar panels to cultivate native plant growth. Studies have shown that ecovoltaic sites support more biodiversity, attract pollinators, and have positive impacts on soil health compared to traditional solar energy farms. Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar and agricultural production, can benefit habitat biodiversity, support native species, and provide mutual benefits for energy and food production, especially in states with limited land for both renewable energy and agriculture. Countries like Japan have already seen success with agrivoltaics, including projects that integrate livestock grazing under solar panels. Projects like the Cornucopia Hybrid Solar Project in California demonstrate the potential for agrivoltaics to deliver renewable energy, promote agricultural uses, and conserve groundwater while reducing fire risks and the need for vegetation maintenance.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/16/where-solar-meets-the-soil-the-multi-benefit-potential-of-ecovoltaics-and-agrivoltaics/

  • Head of IEA Roasts Europe for “Slow Electrification”

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) criticizes Europe's low electrification rate of 23%, highlighting the vulnerability of the EU's heating, transport, and industrial sectors to supply disruptions due to heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. Despite industry pushback, the EU is considering plans to lower taxes on electricity and support the adoption of green technologies like heat pumps and electric cars to catch up to countries like China, Japan, and South Korea with electrification rates above 30%. The question remains whether the EU will make significant progress in increasing electrification to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/12/head-of-iea-roasts-europe-for-slow-electrification/

  • Health risks from climate change spur stronger public support for action, research finds

    A study found that informing people about health risks linked to climate change is more effective in spurring public support for government-led climate action than messages focused on economic or environmental impacts. Over 80% of participants in a survey across Brazil, India, Japan, and South Africa expressed concern about climate change impacts and backed government measures to prevent public health impacts. The World Health Organization stated that humanitarian emergencies are increasing worldwide due to human-caused rising temperatures, with over a third of the global population exposed to climate threats. Communicating these risks to the public can inspire climate action, as health is a universal concern. Despite pledges to strengthen policies to cut carbon emissions and improve health sector resilience to climate impacts, health has not been a top priority at key climate meetings. Different countries had varying reactions to climate change messaging, with South Africans concerned about children's health and food/water insecurity, Brazilians focused on mental health impacts, and Japanese prioritizing extreme heat. In India, air pollution and access to healthcare were top concerns. Respondents across countries supported government action to address health impacts of climate change, with measures like building solar capacity and investing in air-conditioned public buildings being popular. Experts emphasized the urgency of implementing climate action to protect human health, calling for declaring climate change a global health emergency and scaling up climate-health investment. The article section discusses the importance of climate action as a high-return investment for a more just and resilient society. The Wellcome Trust's survey shows that the public supports stronger action on climate change, with a focus on health being an effective way to engage new audiences. The health angle is seen as a fresh approach to climate dialogue, as it is personal, relevant, and depolarizing. While economic messages still have a purpose, health messaging could be a "missing piece" in climate communications, providing a new way to talk about climate change that feels very relevant to people.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/18/health-risks-from-climate-change-spur-stronger-public-support-for-action-research-finds/

  • Low-pressure hydrogen bridges seasonal gaps in solar-powered Japanese building

    Taisei Corporation has successfully operated a building entirely on solar power by combining photovoltaic generation with a hybrid energy storage system integrating batteries and low-pressure hydrogen. Their energy management system balances short- and long-term energy supply and demand, allowing for year-round renewable operation. The pilot project in Yokohama stored surplus PV power in batteries or converted it into hydrogen for later use, ensuring energy availability even during periods of low solar generation. Taisei plans to enhance the efficiency of their system to achieve fully optimized year-round renewable energy operation in buildings, aligning with their commitment to decarbonizing Japan's energy system.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/20/low-pressure-hydrogen-bridges-seasonal-gaps-in-solar-powered-japanese-building/

  • Idemitsu switches on 2 MW of solar above rice paddy

    Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has launched a 2 MW agrivoltaics project in Japan, utilizing a movable mounting system to optimize sunlight for rice growth and power generation. This community-based model returns profits to farmers and aims to utilize 5% of the country's farmland for solar facilities. Agrivoltaics have the potential to increase renewable energy capacity in Japan, with research showing benefits for productivity in rice plantations. Recommendations include using double-axis tracking technology and vertical bifacial PV installations with safety measures and land-sharing approaches.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/19/idemitsu-switches-on-2-mw-of-solar-above-rice-paddy/

  • Japan’s Smallest EV Gets Backing From One Of Its Largest Energy Companies

    KG Motors delivered the first MiBot units in December 2025, with plans for mass production starting in April 2026, targeting 300-500 units monthly. Idemitsu Kosan's collaboration with KG Motors includes converting apollostation network into electrified energy hubs to support the MiBot and other electric vehicles. The MiBot, designed for short urban commutes, reflects Japan's shift towards micro-EVs and renewable energy-powered service stations. This initiative challenges the traditional model of larger, more expensive EVs and signifies a practical adaptation to the energy transition, with potential global implications if successful.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/15/japans-smallest-ev-gets-backing-from-one-of-its-largest-energy-companies/

  • Adani secures Japanese funding for India’s green energy corridor

    Adani Energy Solutions (AESL) has secured funding from Japanese banks for a 950km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project in India, aimed at transporting renewable energy from Rajasthan to the national grid with an evacuation capacity of 6,000MW by 2029. This project will enhance grid stability, integrate renewable energy into major urban and industrial areas, and strengthen financial and industrial ties between India and Japan. Part of Adani Group's clean energy platform, the project aligns with India's Make in India initiative, focusing on developing resilient transmission infrastructure for India's energy transition.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/adani-japanese-funding-green-energy/

  • SPC commences operations at Japan’s first commercial floating wind project

    Japan's first floating offshore wind project, the Goto Offshore Wind Farm, has commenced commercial operations, utilizing a hybrid spar-type floater and engaging local companies in construction and maintenance. The electricity produced will be prioritized for retail electricity providers, promoting renewable energy and benefiting local communities. The project, initiated in 2019, officially launched commercial operations in 2026, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in Japan.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/spc-japans-first-wind-project/