Japan is no longer planning to build new coal power plants that do not have emission reduction measures in place, said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida December 1 at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

The promise aligns with commitments made by the Group of Seven (G7) developed nations to bring an end to unabated coal-fired power generation as soon as possible.

"In line with its pathway to net-zero, Japan will end new construction of domestic unabated coal power plants, while securing a stable energy supply," Kishida said.

According to Reuters, a Japanese foreign ministry official explained that the pledge would not apply to coal power plants that are currently under construction. The official also said that Japan will attempt to decrease its reliance on currently operational coal plants. He added that the country could eventually build abated coal power plants if the technology emerges over the next few years.

Fossil fuels accounted for 71% of Japan’s electricity in 2022, which meant the country was more reliant on fossil fuels last year than both China and the U.S. Also, the total emissions produced by the country have increased by 19% over the last 20 years, according to a report from the non-profit think tank Ember.