Japan could boost climate targets for COP21

Japan is considering cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25 per cent by 2030, up from an earlier target of 20 per cent, according to media reports on Friday.

The decision would see the government in Tokyo boost the countries contribution to a global climate deal set to be agreed in Paris later this year.

The target would still be lower than the plan outlined by the United States, which has committed to emissions reductions of as much as 28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2025.

The European Union has proposed a 40 per cent cut from 1990 levels by 2030.

Japan is the fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, but has watered down earlier emissions targets due to the shutdown of its nuclear plants after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Asahi newspaper reported that government officials are considering a pledge to cut emissions by around 25 per cent by 2030, compared with 2013 levels.

Japan's GHG emissions reached their second-highest level on record in the year up to March 2014, reflecting a rise in coal-fired power generation after the indefinite closure of nuclear power plants, according to government figures.

The government is aiming to finalise the breakdown for the energy mix for 2030 this month as a basis for confirming the updated emissions targets.

Japan is looking to announce the new emissions targets at the G7 meeting in Germany in June.

Government proposals suggest that nuclear energy could account for between 20 and 22 per cent of the country's electricity mix by 2030, with renewable energy making up slightly more.

Nuclear power contributed around 30 per cent of Japan's electricity supply before the 2011 Fukushima disaster.