Japan reiterates plan to cut reliance on coal at G7 ministerial summit

A draft communique showed the group would consider committing to a phase-out of coal by 2030

Japan reiterated on Friday its policy to reduce reliance on coal-fired electricity generation as much as possible, with plans to phase out inefficient coal power plants towards 2030.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda made the comments when asked about an expected communique to be issued by energy, climate and environment ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries.

A draft communique, seen by Reuters ahead of May 25 to 27 talks between the ministers, showed the group would consider committing to a phase-out of coal by 2030, though sources suggested that opposition from the United States and Japan