G7 vows to step up moves to renewable energy, zero carbon, but no coal exit deadline

Ministers issue 36-page communique reaffirming commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest

Timeline for phasing out coal remains sticking point, even as bloc acknowledges need to achieve a ‘predominantly decarbonised power sector’ by 2035

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A worker at the “Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field” (FH2R), one of the largest test facilities in the world producing hydrogen from renewable energy, in Namie, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:15am, 16 Apr 2023Updated: 4:04pm, 16 Apr 2023

Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven wealthy nations vowed Sunday to work to hasten the shift towards cleaner, renewable energy, but set no timetable for phasing out coal-fired power plants as they wrapped up two days of talks in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo.

The G7 officials issued a communique laying out their commitments, pledging to collectively increase offshore wind capacity by 150 gigawatts by 2030 and solar capacity to more than 1 terawatt. The 36-page document was prepared in advance of a G7 summit that will be held in Hiroshima in May.

“We will drastically increase electricity generated by renewable energies,” they said.

G7 ministers at the climate, energy and environment meeting in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE/Jiji Press

“Recognising the current global energy crisis and economic disruptions, we reaffirm our commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 at the latest,” the communique added.

The leaders recognised the importance of finding efficient, affordable and diverse energy sources, which “underscore our commitment to implementing immediate, short- and medium-term action in this critical decade”, it said.

Japan won endorsements from fellow G7 countries for its own national strategy emphasising so-called clean coal, hydrogen and nuclear energy to help ensure its energy security.

Japan’s energy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura characterised the communique as “ambitious” and praised the G7 for “recognising diverse paths towards carbon neutrality” during the energy crisis.