Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions rose 1.2% in fiscal year 2013 to 1,408 million tonnes of CO2e, the highest level since 2007 as coal-fired power generation soared, the Ministry of Environment said.

The rise leaves Japan’s emissions 10.8% above 1990 levels and 0.8% above 2005 levels, the Ministry of Environment said in a report. The final numbers were adjusted upwards compared to preliminary data released in December.

Its 2020 target is to reduce emissions to 3.8% below 2005 levels, while recent media reports said Japan is considering pledging a 20% cut by 2030, either from 2005 or 2013 levels.

“The main factors for the rise in emissions in FY2013 as compared to FY2012 are the increased energy-origin CO2 emissions, caused by the increased coal consumption in thermal power generation and the increased consumption of electricity or petroleum products in the commercial and other sector,” the MoE report said.

Energy-related CO2 emissions rose to 1,235 million tonnes in FY2013, the data showed, an increase of 168 million since 1990, roughly equal to the CO2 emissions of New York state.

Although its climate strategy for 2030 has not been finalised, Japan’s main policy to reducing emissions over the next 15 years is expected to be bringing nuclear power plants back online.

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