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Maguire: Japan's utilities have cut their fossil fuel electricity to new lows.
The first half of 2025 saw fossil fuels generate a record-low share of Japan's electricity supply at the utility scale. This is a significant milestone for the energy transition of one of the largest fossil fuel users in the world. Japan is one of the top 10 consumers and importers of coal, crude oil and natural gas, which are all used to produce the majority of energy in the fourth largest economy of the world. Data from Ember show that the proportion of fossil fuels in Japan's electricity production has been steadily declining. In fact, it was less than 60% for the first six months of the year, according to Ember. Solar farms and nuclear power stations have provided the remainder of the electricity and have outpaced fossil fuel sources in terms of growth so far in this decade. By 2033, clean electricity will overtake fossil electricity if clean electricity continues to grow at the same rate as fossil electricity. For fossil fuel exporters who have been heavily dependent on Japan's growth in demand for decades, the prospect that home-grown clean sources will supply a majority of Japan’s electricity by 2020 is a source of concern. CLEAN RECOVERY Ember data indicates that Japan's clean energy supplies from January to June totaled 188 terawatt-hours (TWh). This is 47% higher than the output of clean supply during the first half of 2019 and the highest level in more than a decade. The level of nuclear energy generation in Japan has not yet reached the peak levels seen in the early 2000s, due to the ongoing decline in this sector following the Fukushima catastrophe in 2011. Nuclear power has been shut down in Japan since 2011. The nuclear electricity supply in 2024 will be roughly 70% lower than it was in 2010, just before the Fukushima disaster. While nuclear power has been largely ignored, Japanese utilities have increased their generation of clean energy over the last decade. Solar generation has increased 25-fold since 2010, while wind farms and bioenergy plants have more than doubled their output. Clean electricity has increased its share in the total generation mix from 12% to 31% by 2024, thanks to these clean power additions. The clean generation share in the first half 2025 has increased to 41% on average, thanks to wind farms, bioenergy plants and nuclear reactors that are gradually returning to service. FOSSIL FIX Japan's utilities are reducing the use of fossil fuels in electricity production, while increasing clean energy. Since at least 2019, the amount of electricity produced by natural gas plants in January to June 2025 has been the lowest. High natural gas prices have stifled the gas use across the country. The coal-fired power generation increased by around 4% compared to the same months of 2024, to compensate for the decline in gas electricity. Overall fossil fuel electricity supply was largely flat in comparison to a year earlier. The reductions in fossil fuel consumption are more apparent compared to generation levels during the first half 2019. The coal-fired electric supply in 2025's first half was 9% lower than the output of 2019's first half, while the gas-fired electrical production was 25% less. In the next few years, Japan will continue to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to the country's ambitious goal to cut them by 46% from 2013 levels by 2030. At that time there was an explosion in fossil fuel energy generation. Japan's fossil-fuel electricity supply contracted on average by 3% per year between 2019 and 2024. If this trend continues, fossil energy generation will drop by 30% by 2040. Clean electricity has grown by around 6% per year since 2019. If this trend continues, the clean electricity supply will double by 2036. This growth rate would also mean that by 2033, clean electricity would account for the majority of Japan's electric supply. The diminishing role that coal and gas play in the electric system of a large economy is a concern for fossil fuel exporters. This is especially true as other large economies are also phasing out the use of fossil fuels. These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and analysis. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
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Wall Street Journal, August 26,
These are the most popular stories from the Wall Street Journal. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch their accuracy. President Trump announced that he was removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. He cited allegations that Cook had submitted false information in mortgage applications. Hyundai Motor Group, a South Korean automaker, said that it would increase its U.S. investments to $26 billion by 2028 in order to expand on the market. Korean Air Lines has agreed to purchase 103 Boeing airplanes for $36.2 billion as part of its $50 billion investment into U.S. Aviation. Li Chenggang will be visiting Washington for a series of talks this week, marking the beginning of the trade negotiations in Washington. President Donald Trump has said that the U.S. would increase tariffs on tech companies and export restrictions to countries who tax or regulate U.S. firms. - Perplexity will pay publishers from a $42.5 million revenue pool for news articles that the artificial-intelligence company uses to answer queries.
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After a 2-week high, oil prices have fallen on Russia and Ukraine supply concerns
The oil prices fell on Tuesday after a nearly 2% increase in the previous session. Traders were closely monitoring developments in the Russia/Ukraine conflict to ensure that fuel supplies in the region would not be disrupted. Brent crude dropped 32 cents or 0.5% to $68.48 a barrel at 0448 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI crude) also fell 33 cents or 0.5% to $64.47 a barrel. WTI climbed above the 100-day moving Average, and both contracts reached their highest levels in over two weeks. In a recent note, IG analysts stated that the risks of crude oil prices rising further are skewed towards higher gains. This is especially true if the price continues to move above the resistance level between $64 and $65. The rally in oil on Monday was driven mainly by fears of supply disruptions after Ukraine attacked Russian energy infrastructure and traders were anticipating more U.S. sanction on Russian oil. The attacks caused gasoline shortages and disruptions to oil exports and processing in Moscow. They were a response to Moscow’s offensive on the frontlines and its bombardment of Ukraine’s gas and electricity facilities. Barclays said in a Monday note to its clients that oil prices are still in a narrow range due to geopolitical instability and fundamentals that remain relatively stable. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has reiterated his threat to impose economic sanctions against Russia if a deal on peace is not reached in the next two week. Ole Hansen is the head of commodity strategy for Saxo Bank. He said that traders will also monitor the impact of U.S. tariffs looming against India due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. Indian exporters should prepare for disruptions following a U.S. Homeland Security confirmed Washington would impose a 25% additional tariff on all Indian origin goods starting Wednesday. The U.S. will impose duties on Indian exports of up to 50 percent - one of the highest Washington has ever imposed - as punishment for New Delhi increasing its purchases of Russian crude oil in August. The American Petroleum Institute's (API) U.S. inventories data is expected to be released later today. Traders expect a decline in crude oil and gasoline stock but could see a build-up in distillate stocks. (Reporting from Anjana Anil, Bengaluru; Emily Chow, Singapore; Editing done by Shri Navaratnam & Himani Sarkar).
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South Korea visa waiver will boost travel, but not Chinese airline profit
Analysts said that South Korea's decision granting visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups would boost China's low outbound travel numbers, but not enough to improve the bottom line of struggling Chinese Airlines. South Korea is the third most popular destination for Chinese tourists, after Japan and Thailand. However, overall outbound travel remains below the pre-pandemic level. As Seoul opens a temporary airport, airlines are hoping to increase their numbers. Visa waivers for Chinese passport holders The scheme is set to run from the end of September, right before China's National Day week long holiday, to the end June of next year. This follows a decision made by Beijing in November last year to grant visa-free entry to South Koreans as well as foreign visitors. Flight Master, a provider of aviation data, reports that the flight capacity between China and South Korea is now 105% higher than it was before the pandemic. This is more than China's total international capacity which stands at only 93%. Analysts say that while visa waivers could increase passenger numbers, airline profitability may remain under pressure because of intensifying competition which is dampening ticket price. The three largest state-owned carriers have reported even greater losses in the first quarter, adding to their cumulative losses of 206.3 billion Yuan ($28.9billion) over the past five years. China Southern Airlines (owned by the state), Air China and China Eastern Airlines will all report their first-half results later this week. Li Hanming is an independent aviation analyst based in the United States. He said that due to the short distance between China and Korea, routes are already oversupplied, and fares are very low. The majority of travellers from higher-tiered cities already have their long-term...visa, so group tours are more important in lower-tiered cities. However, these passengers will not pay premium prices because they're price-sensitive. Investors are likely to be more concerned about the financial health and stability of Chinese airlines if margins remain weak. These airlines have been heavily affected by the US-China trade war. Li said, "I do not expect these challenges to be alleviated for the three largest airlines in the second part of the year." Trip.com Group data shows that top-tier cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou are the top 10 source markets for travel from mainland China to South Korea. Some experts warn that an increase in South Korea travel demand could be a temporary bump. Su Shu, the founder of Moment Travel in Chengdu, described the effect on the country's economy as "a blip, followed by fading". Singapore is the only developed nation to date to grant visa-free entry to Chinese passport holders. South Korea is not a destination for tourists, but rather one that's "close and affordable". She said that repeat visitors were rare.
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A consortium led by Public Storage abandons its $1.4 billion pursuit of Abacus Storage in Australia
Abacus Storage, based in Australia, announced on Tuesday that the consortium led by Nathan Kirsh (a South African billionaire) and Public Storage of the United States had withdrawn their A$2,17 billion ($1.41billion) bid for its firm. Abacus' independent board committee received notification overnight that the consortium withdrawn its offer. The firm didn't give any explanation for the consortium's decision to withdraw. The consortium offered Abacus shareholders A$1.47 for each stapled security, and all shares that were not held by Ki Corp or its subsidiaries. Abacus rejected the offer in May citing concerns about timing, valuation and deal completion. The consortium increased their offer to A$1.65 a share in July for the Australian self storage firm. Furniture manufacturer Ki Corp controls directly and indirectly 59.39% Abacus storage. The consortium decided to leave after Abacus allowed them to do due diligence on its finances and internal documents. This is not the first time PSA, a storage facility operator, has backed out of a billion dollar deal to purchase a self-storage company. PSA backed out of an $11 billion purchase deal in 2023 after failing to win over its shareholders. Abacus Group shares, which manage Abacus Storage King, fell 7.3% to A$1.2 on their worst day since January 13
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Oil prices drop after a two-week peak on Russia and Ukraine supply concerns
The oil prices fell on Tuesday, after spiking nearly 2% the day before. Traders were closely monitoring the developments in the Russia/Ukraine conflict to see if they could have an impact on fuel supply from that region. Brent crude futures dropped 16 cents or 0.23% to $68.64 a barrel at 0005 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) also fell 16 cents or 0.25% to $64.64. WTI Futures rose above the 100-day moving Average on Monday. Both contracts reached their highest levels in more than two weeks. In a recent note, IG analysts stated that the risks of crude oil prices rising further are skewed towards higher gains. This is especially true if the price continues to move above the resistance level between $64 and $65. The rally in oil on Monday was driven primarily by fears of disruptions to supply as Ukraine attacked Russian energy infrastructure and traders expected more U.S. sanction on Russian oil. The attacks caused gasoline shortages and disruptions to oil exports and processing in Moscow. They were a response to Moscow’s offensive on the frontlines and its bombardment of Ukraine’s gas and electricity facilities. Barclays said in a Monday note to its clients that oil prices are still in a narrow range due to geopolitical instability and fundamentals that remain relatively stable. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has reiterated his threat to impose economic sanctions against Russia if a deal on peace is not reached in the next two week. The American Petroleum Institute will release its latest U.S. inventories data later today. Traders expect a decline in crude oil and gasoline stock but an increase in distillate stocks. (Reporting by Anjana Anil in Bengaluru Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
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AirTrunk, a data centre operator, secures refinancing of $10.4 billion for APAC expansion
Australian data centre operator AirTrunk on Tuesday said it secured an A$16 billion ($10.40 billion) sustainability-linked refinancing for its Asia-Pacific operations. AirTrunk, in a website statement, said that this refinancing includes a S$2,25 billion green loan to build a data center in Singapore. This makes AirTrunk APAC's largest sustainable financier. AirTrunk, a hyperscale data center firm, announced that it had secured the support of 60 banks and financial institutions. This brings its total financing including operations in Japan to more than A$18 billion. The company, which was acquired by a Blackstone-led group for A$24 billion late last year, introduced a sustainability-linked loan (SLL) in 2021 that ties a company's financing to its sustainability goals. AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda said, "After Blackstone and CPPIB acquired AirTrunk for A$24+ billion in 2024, our debt financing platform has been expanded to allow our rapid growth throughout the region."
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Trump tells South Korea that he wants to meet Kim in North Korea this year.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Monday that he would like to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in this year. He also stated that he is open to more trade discussions with South Korea despite his new criticisms of their visiting Asian ally. Trump told reporters that he would like to meet Kim Jong Un this year in the Oval Office, as he welcomed South Korea’s new President, Lee Jae Myung to the White House. "I am looking forward to meeting Kim Jong Un at the appropriate time." Trump and Lee met for the first time in tense conditions. Trump complained vaguely about a "Purge" or "Revolution" in South Korea via social media, before later retraction as a possible "misunderstanding" among the allies. The two sides are still arguing over the details of the trade agreement they signed in July, which spared South Korean exports from harsher U.S. duties. They also continue to argue about nuclear energy and military spending. Lee, after meeting Trump, attended a business conference with CEOs from South Korean firms and over 20 U.S. companies, including Carlyle Group Nvidia Boeing GE Aerospace Honeywell General Motors. Korean Air, South Korea's flag-carrier, is expected to place an order for 100 Boeing aircraft, according to sources. KIM IGNORES TRUMP'S CALLS North Korea didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for a comment on Trump’s remarks. Kim has refused to respond to Trump's repeated requests to resume the direct diplomacy that he conducted during his term of office from 2017-2021, which failed to produce a deal to stop North Korea's nuke program. North Korea's rhetoric is escalating, with Kim promising to accelerate his nuclear program while condemning U.S. and South Korea military exercises. Kim oversaw the testing of new air defenses systems at the weekend. Lee, in the Oval Office of the White House, avoided the dramatic confrontations that marked the February visit by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the May visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Lee used a strategy that has been well-worn by Trump's visitors from abroad. He talked golf, and praised the interior design and peacemaking of the Republican President. He had told reporters that he read the 1987 presidential memoir "Trump: the Art of the Deal" to prepare. The liberal South Korean encouraged Trump's engagement with North Korea. Lee, in Korean, said: "I hope that you will bring peace to the Korean Peninsula. It is the only nation divided in the world. I want you to meet Kim Jong Un and build a Trump World in North Korea, so that I can go golfing there. You can be a true world-historic peacemaker." South Korea's economy is heavily dependent on the U.S. Washington provides its security through troops and nuclear deterrence. Trump called Seoul a money machine that benefits from American military protection. DIFFICULT ISSUES Trump has been pressuring Seoul to reach a trade agreement and discuss issues related the bilateral military alliance. Trump said to reporters that after meeting Lee: "I believe we have a trade deal done." "They had some issues with it, and we stuck to our guns." They're going to do the deal they agreed on." He didn't elaborate and the White House didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Trump told Lee that he would share "intelligence" he received regarding South Korean investigations, which he claimed targeted churches and military bases. The White House didn't respond to an inquiry for further information. The police in Seoul raided Sarang Jeil Church this month. It was led by Jun Kwang-hoon who had been leading protests to support Yoon Suk Yol, Lee's former predecessor. In July, prosecutors who were investigating Yoon's attempted declaration of martial law executed a search warrant at the Korean portion of a joint military base operated by the United States. South Korean officials said that U.S. soldiers and equipment were not searched. The far-right in South Korea, particularly evangelical Christians and Yoon's supporters, view him as a victim to communist persecution. Trump is expected to press Lee to increase defense spending and to maintain the 28,500 U.S. soldiers in South Korea. When asked if he'd reduce these numbers to give the U.S. greater regional flexibility, Trump replied: "I don’t want to say it now," but suggested that Seoul could give the U.S. ownership over the "land we have the fort on," an apparent reference Camp Humphreys - a U.S. Army Garrison in South Korea. Lee said to reporters that it would be hard for Seoul to accept U.S. requests to adopt "flexibility", a reference to the use of U.S. troops for a broader range of operations including China-related threat. Lee is trying to find a balance between cooperating with the U.S. and not antagonizing China - Seoul's main trade partner. As he was on his way to Washington, Lee sent a delegation to Beijing to call for normalized relations. Lee will highlight South Korea's anticipated U.S. investment when he visits the Hanwha Group's shipyard in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Trump will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in South Korea from October 30-November 1. Reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington, Idrees Al, Steve Holland, Trevor Hunnicutt, and David Shepardson, and Josh Smith in Seoul, Hyun-Joo Jin, Jumin Park, and Jack Kim; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing and editing by Lincoln Feast; Ed Davies, Michael Perry and Rod Nickel
South Korean firms pledge US investment of $150 billion at summit
South Korea highlighted a wide range of U.S. investments plans by its firms at the Monday summit between U.S. president Donald Trump and South Korean president Lee Jae Myung. These included shipbuilding, nuclear power, aerospace, energy, and critical minerals.
The U.S. and South Korea agreed at the summit to invest $150 billion by South Korean companies. They also agreed on a non-binding agreement that would allow $350 billion to be invested in funds as proposed by Seoul last July in a trade agreement to reduce threatened U.S. duties on Korean products.
Here are a few of the investment plans that were announced at the summit.
Investments of $150 Billion
The South Korean business lobby group announced that companies will invest $150 billion into areas like artificial intelligence, chips and biotechnology. Shipbuilding, nuclear power, shipbuilding, and shipbuilding are also included. The group didn't give any breakdown of the investments or a timeframe.
If the investments are made, they would equal six times the U.S. direct investment of South Korean companies in 2024.
Kim Yong Beom, the presidential adviser, said that investments will include previously announced projects like Samsung Electronics new chip factory located in Texas and Hyundai's auto factory in Georgia as well as Hanwha’s expansion of its U.S. Shipyard.
AEROSPACE
Korean Air, South Korea’s largest carrier, has announced the purchase of 103 Boeing planes worth $36.2 billion. The deal also includes a $13.7-billion agreement with GE Aerospace to provide engines and maintenance. This is the biggest contract ever signed by Korean Air. It's separate from the order for 50 Boeing jets with GE engines that it announced in March.
HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP
Hyundai Motor Group has announced that it will increase its U.S. investments to $26 billion, up from the previously announced $21 million between 2025-2028.
The plan calls for the construction of a new steel plant in Louisiana, an expansion of Hyundai Motor's and Kia Corp.'s U.S. automobile production capacity, as well as a robotics center with a 30,000 unit annual output.
SHIPBUILDING
Trump said that during the summit, the U.S. will work with South Korea in order to revive the struggling U.S. Shipbuilding Industry. He added that the U.S. will buy ships from South Korea and also receive support to manufacture ships within the country.
South Korea's HD Hyundai and Korea Development Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. investment company Cerberus Capital in order to create a multi-billion dollar joint fund that will be used to strengthen U.S. maritime capability, including shipbuilding.
Samsung Heavy Industries, Vigor Marine Group and other companies have also signed a preliminary agreement covering the maintenance and overhaul of U.S. Navy Support Ships, shipyard modernization as well as joint vessel construction.
The state-owned Korea Gas Corp has signed long-term agreements, among others with commodity trader Trafigura, to import 3.3 millions tonnes of liquefied gas per year for 10 years beginning in 2028. This will be mainly from the United States. Cheniere, the biggest U.S. LNG supplier, will supply long-term contracted LNG volume, among other companies.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Doosan Enerbility and U.S. partners X-energy & Amazon Web Services have joined forces to collaborate on the design and construction of small modular reactors.
Doosan Enerbility and Fermi America also signed an MOU for the construction of a Texas AI project. KHNP, Samsung C&T and Fermi America each signed their own MOU. KHNP also agreed to invest with Centrus in a U.S. facility for uranium enrichment.
CRITICAL MINERALS
Korea Zinc and Lockheed Martin have agreed to supply germanium starting in 2028 as part of a long-term agreement. The deal also aims to enhance the supply chain collaboration for rare metals.
Deal on $350 Billion Fund that is Non-Binding
Last month, South Korea agreed to a trade agreement to reduce tariffs in return for making separate investments of $350 billion. Details about the fund were not disclosed.
Kim stated on Monday that South Korea intends to pursue a non-binding agreement on the structure of the fund and its operation. He said that the "financial packages" would support strategic industries like key minerals, batteries and chips, pharmaceuticals, AI, quantum computing and AI. (Reporting and editing by Joyce Lee, Heekyong Yahn and Hyunjoo Ji; Reporting by Heekyong Yan and Hyunjoo Jin. Ed Davies is responsible for editing.
(source: Reuters)