Japan Considers Switch From LNG to Coal

Japan is considering ramping up coal-fired power generation amid a liquefied natural gas crunch that has led to significantly higher prices. Per a proposal drafted by the economy ministry, the 50% utilization rate cap on coal-fired power plants could be removed in the new fiscal year that begins in April, Reuters reported, adding that this could reduce consumption of LNG by half a million tons annually. For context, Japan imports around 4 million tons of liquefied gas annually from the Middle East. This also happens to be the amount of LNG that…