Japan is considering limiting coal-fired generation to 50% of each utility’s total fossil fuel output as part of its plan to cut GHG emissions 26% by 2030, the Kyodo news agency reported Tuesday.

The agency cited unnamed officials at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The new regulations would be introduced in April next year to ensure that the planned liberalisation of Japan’s electricity market will not lead to an uncontrolled growth in coal-fired generation.

It would also contribute to ensuring old, inefficient coal plants are closed, according to the officials.

There was no detail on which potential mechanisms might be put in place to ensure companies stayed within the limit, or how to deal with utilities that currently rely on coal for far more than 50% of their output.

As part of its 2030 climate plan, Japan aims to limit coal’s share of electricity generation in 2030 to 27%.

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