【Protest Statement】Protest against JERA’s consideration of resuming sales of coal-fired power and the government’s lifting of operational restrictions, and demand for the immediate withdrawal of these policies

【Protest Statement】 Protest against JERA’s consideration of resuming sales of coal-fired power
and the government’s lifting of operational restrictions,
and demand for the immediate withdrawal of these policies

June 26, 2026
Kiko Network
Mie Asaoka, President

On June 24, it was revealed that JERA Co., Inc., Japan’s largest power generation company, is considering resuming the sale of coal-fired power to corporate clients under PPA contracts, citing soaring electricity prices resulting from the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Furthermore, prior to this, the Japanese government decided to lift operational restrictions on inefficient coal-fired power plants for FY2026.

Under the pretext of addressing the energy crisis and geopolitical risks, this series of moves represents a return to coal-fired power generation, the largest emitter of CO₂, which completely contradicts global climate change mitigation efforts. We firmly protest this with a serious sense of crisis.

The following are the three major issues with this policy.

1. Acceleration of the climate crisis and disregard for international agreements

As damage from extreme weather events, believed to be caused by climate change, intensifies worldwide, the phase-out of coal-fired power to achieve the 1.5℃ target is a top international priority. Casually increasing reliance on coal-fired power under the pretext of an emergency means stalling efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will damage Japan’s international credibility.

2. Serious setback to the renewable energy transition

Reintroducing cheap electricity generated by coal-fired power plants to the market and corporate clients fundamentally undermines incentives to invest in the promotion of renewable energy, which should be a priority, as well as in innovations such as energy efficiency and battery storage. A structure that preserves reliance on fossil fuels is the biggest obstacle to a fundamental energy transition.

3. The deception of “resilience to geopolitical risks”

JERA claims that “coal is resilient against geopolitical risks,” but coal is merely another fossil fuel for which Japan relies almost entirely on overseas imports. True energy security can only be achieved by making domestic renewable energy the main energy source, thereby eliminating fuel procurement risks. Relying on fossil fuels again for the sake of short-term cost reductions will create future risks of stranded assets and jeopardize corporate decarbonization management. Even more concerning is JERA’s statement, coinciding with its consideration of resuming sales, of its intention to withdraw or revise its previously stated policy of suspending or phasing out inefficient coal-fired power plants by 2030. This policy, which aligns with "JERA Zero CO₂ Emissions 2050," represents an extremely weighty commitment to the international community, corporate clients, and the general public, effectively serving as an “international commitment.” JERA’s insincere stance of using geopolitical risks and soaring prices as a justification to casually overturn its own decarbonization roadmap should be strongly condemned as an abandonment of corporate social responsibility.

We absolutely will not accept any rollback of climate change measures under the pretext of an immediate crisis.

JERA Co., Inc. must immediately withdraw its policy of resuming sales of coal-fired power to corporate customers and fully utilizing coal-fired power plants and instead concentrate its management resources on expanding renewable energy and battery storage.

The Japanese government must stop its shortsighted “crisis avoidance” strategy of lifting operational restrictions on inefficient coal-fired power plants and pivot toward emergency support measures that prioritize renewable energy to achieve both decarbonization and improved energy self-sufficiency.

We strongly demand the withdrawal of these policies in order to realize a sustainable and clean society.

Reference

JERA's Press Release: The Regular Press Conference for First Half of FY2026 (2026/06/24)

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