WWF-Japan Says Nation's Power Sector Could Cut CO2 Emissions by 20%

On October 30, 2003, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan released a research report that showed how Japan's power generation sector could reduce CO2 emissions to 20 percent less than 2000 levels by 2020.

The world's power generation now depends largely on fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gas. Carbon dioxide emissions from the worldwide power sector are a crucial factor in total greehnouse gas emissions, accounting for 37 percent of total CO2 emissions.

According to the report, the reductions proposed will be possible if Japan's power sector focuses on improving energy efficiency and promoting the shift to renewable energy. In contrast, if Japan's economic trends and energy policies remain unchanged, CO2 emissions from the power sector are estimated to increase 16 percent by 2020.

The report also says that investment in promoting renewable energy and reducing power demand can be almost offset by reductions in fuel and equipment costs. Therefore, it indicates that CO2 reduction in the power sector should also be possible from an economical viewpoint.


Posted: 2004/07/29 11:25:34 AM
Japanese version