Today's print edition

Subscribe for more access

ENVIRONMENT

Energy

An ammonia tank at Jera's Hekinan thermal power station in Aichi Prefecture on March 13

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Apr 1, 2024

Jera starts ammonia co-firing trial at coal power station

The power company said it is the world's first trial using a large amount of the gas at a major commercial plant.

A coal-fired power plant in Shanghai in October 2021. For years, analysts expected coal production to plateau after it hit a then-record in 2013. Then came 2021, when power shortages in China set Beijing on a path to order more mining to ensure energy security.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Mar 24, 2024

Coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, is preparing for a long goodbye

Output hit a record last year, and producers expect a future where coal will be required to balance renewable energy for decades.

An offshore wind farm near Nysted, Denmark. Japan aims to become a major offshore wind power producer, with the government targeting projects totaling 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Mar 15, 2024

Japanese firms join forces to promote floating offshore wind

Floating offshore wind power is seen as a way to ensure Japan has a stable and sustainable energy supply.

A flare burns at a gas plant near Orla, Texas. Production and use of fossil fuels put more than 120 million metric tons of methane into the atmosphere last year, a slight rise from 2022.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Mar 14, 2024

Methane emissions from energy sector rose in 2023 despite pledges

By Gloria Dickie

Production and use of fossil fuels put more than 120 million metric tons of methane into the atmosphere last year.

A sign warns of underground natural gas pipelines outside Rifle, Colorado, in June 2012.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Mar 11, 2024

U.S. gas pipeline accidents pose big, unreported climate threat

By Nichola Groom

Accidental pipeline leaks — caused by incidents like punctures, corrosion, severe weather and faulty equipment — happen routinely.

Floating solar panels at the Canoe Brook water treatment plant in Short Hills, New Jersey

ENVIRONMENT / Energy

Mar 6, 2024

Pressed for space, solar farms are getting creative

By Jessica Nix

There are solar arrays on top of big-box stores, solar arrays on yachts and solar farms that float.

Solar panels on display at PV Expo in Tokyo on Wednesday. Japan's "transition bonds" will cover cutting-edge solar cells, as well as more controversial projects.

ENVIRONMENT / Energy / OUR PLANET

Mar 3, 2024

Japan wants cash for its green transition. But what are investors actually backing?

By Kazuaki Nagata

"Transition bonds" are intended to fund a wide variety of net-zero projects, but it's not clear all of them will actually help with decarbonization.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.

The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Students ‘study abroad’ on island of Suo Oshima

Students ‘study abroad’ on island of Suo Oshima

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports