Could solar power be a new source of growth in Japan?

The rise of solar power could give them a new source of growth. Solar power has become the largest source of clean energy in Japan this year. Interest among households has been strong, with more than 3mn residential solar systems installed last year. Demand for a similar number of residential batteries should follow soon.

How much does Japan spend on geothermal power?

Moreover, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, says that it has financed 17 per cent of the world’s geothermal capacity, or ¥397bn ($2.9bn), in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This includes ¥99.6bn for Olkaria and its power transmission lines.

How does Tokyo contribute to African Development?

Tokyo’s involvement in African development aims to focus on growth in exports, capital expenditure, and productivity. That means putting money into roads, ports, agriculture, manufacturing — and renewable energy. “We have experience in assisting Asian countries in their development,” Kato says.

Will Japan boost its presence in Africa?

Still, Japan is undeniably looking to boost its presence in African countries. At the seventh Ticad (Tokyo International Conference on African Development), held in Yokohama in 2019, late prime minister Shinzo Abe said Japan would boost private-sector investment in Africa by $20bn.

What is the future of energy storage?

Local companies Toshiba, Itochu and Hitachi are among those betting on energy storage systems for growth. There is much potential in this relatively overlooked sector: the global battery energy storage market will reach as much as $150bn by 2030, estimates McKinsey. Falling prices of battery cells should help wider adoption of home batteries.

Would Kenya have a geothermal power plant without Japanese technology?

“Without Japanese technology, there would hardly be any geothermal production in Kenya,” says Iwasuke Shimada, managing director for Toshiba in Africa, as he watches steam emerging from a unit at Olkaria. The continent’s first geothermal power station, Olkaria, is still increasing its output.