Japan Considers Technology Boost for CO2 Cuts

Japan could reduce its greenhouse emissions by 11 percent by 2020 if it utilises cutting-edge technology to achieve its aims, according to its trade ministry.

Japan's gas emissions would total 1.214 billion tons in carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent in 2020, down from 1.359 billion tons in 2005, a study by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) claims, writes Reuters.

But it could cost more than US$500bn to replace existing technologies with cutting-edge ones between now and 2020.

The METI hopes to achieve lower emissions levels by placing solar panels on 70 percent of new houses, improving fuel efficiency in cars by 15 percent and increasing nuclear power-generated electricity supply from 30 to 45 percent.

The Japanese Government has proposed setting a global target of 30 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020.

By staff writer