Japan to use COP31 to showcase environmental technologies

🔦 Navigate COP31 unmissable events with our Insider's Guide

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on The Japan Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Japan is using COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, to showcase advanced environmental technologies supporting global electrification, despite Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's absence
• The country's pavilion highlights perovskite solar cells, energy conservation, carbon capture and storage, and waste reduction solutions
• The initiative aligns with Türkiye's proposed global target to increase electricity's share of final energy demand from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035

🔭 The context: The electrification ambition draws on analysis by the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency and seeks to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement's climate objectives
• Japan is particularly promoting perovskite solar technology, which is lightweight, flexible and suitable for locations where conventional solar panels are difficult to install
• Japan produces approximately 30% of the world's iodine, a key material used in manufacturing these cells, giving it a potential strategic advantage

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Electrification powered by clean electricity can reduce dependence on fossil fuels across energy systems, transportation and industry
• Emerging solar technologies could expand renewable deployment by making generation possible in a wider range of locations
• However, the climate benefits of electrification ultimately depend on electricity generation becoming increasingly low-carbon

⏭️ What’s next: Japan's Environment Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa is leading the country's delegation, while Takaichi remains absent for the third consecutive year of prime-ministerial nonattendance
• Japanese officials hope COP31 can facilitate international cooperation and the dissemination of domestic environmental technologies
• However, industry representatives warn that the absence of the prime minister could limit progress on major economic cooperation initiatives

💬 One quote: “While conventional solar power generation is almost entirely dominated by China, I think the focus will shift to advanced technologies such as perovskite.” — Kenichiro Yamaguchi, Mitsubishi Research Institute

📈 One stat: 35% by 2035 — Türkiye's proposed global target for electricity's share of final energy demand, compared with just over 20% today

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