Japan to speed up start of new wind power plants as Ukraine war threatens energy security

Japan on Friday said it will try to speed up the start of operations of new offshore wind power plants, as Russia’s war on Ukraine stretches the resource-poor nation’s energy supplies.

“Following the situation in Ukraine, we are facing an urgent need to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy as a homegrown energy source toward decarbonization. This is also vital in terms of ensuring energy security,” Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda told a news conference in Tokyo.

He said the government will review its “permission criteria for offshore wind power businesses to use marine areas.”

The Ukraine war has sparked a surge in global energy prices, driven largely by the US and its allies’ decision to block supplies from Russia.

Energy-deficient Japan joined Washington and other Western nations in imposing sanctions on Russia but has walked a cautious path on stopping energy imports from Moscow.

Some 3.6% of Japan’s crude oil and 8.8% of its liquefied natural gas came from Russia in 2021, according to a Kyodo News report, which cited data from the Japan External Trade Organization.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been engaged in hectic diplomatic efforts to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, including calls this week with leaders of top oil exporters Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

- Tokyo opens doors to Ukrainians

Japan on Friday began allowing unconditional entry to Ukrainians fleeing the war.

Ukrainians seeking refuge in Japan will be allowed to enter “even if they do not have a relative or acquaintance in Japan who can act as a guarantor,” Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s top government spokesperson, told a news conference.

Tokyo has also pledged to provide Ukrainians with daily necessities and find accommodation, jobs, and academic opportunities.

According to UN estimates, nearly 3.2 million refugees have fled from Ukraine since Russia declared war on its western neighbor, while at least 780 civilians have been killed and over 1,250 injured, with the casualty figures believed to be much higher in reality.

The Japanese government also expanded sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to Moscow on Friday, freezing assets of 15 more Russian individuals and nine organizations, including deputy defense ministers and the head of a military intelligence service.

“This brings the number of Russian individuals and groups subject to Japan’s sanctions to a total of 95,” Kyodo News reported.

Japan has previously blocked the assets of Russia’s Central Bank, President Vladimir Putin, his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, and others.