Australia powers Japan, literally, supplying more than one third of its energy needs. For decades, Japanese investment in energy projects and Japan’s energy purchases have helped build Australian prosperity. But that’s been in fossil fuels and the bilateral economic relationship will need a total transformation as both countries pursue transition to net zero emissions by 2050. The transition is not off to a good start. In 2023 Australia exported AU$35.4 billion of coal to Japan, accounting for 41 per cent of total exports to Japan, Australia’s second largest trading partner. That’s after a major fall in the coal ... (full story)