The British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, has urged energy companies to seize the opportunities presented by the UK's trade deal with 11 Asian and Pacific countries, following its

announcement by Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch last Friday. Longbottom described the agreement as a 'trailblazing moment' and stated that there are significant opportunities for Britain's green energy businesses if they support Japan in its bid to become carbon neutral by 2050. Achieving this goal will require hundreds of millions of pounds in investment.

Longbottom said that UK firms could help accelerate the transformation of Japan's energy market, which is still reliant on gas imports from Russia. Japan is also the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas. The ambassador highlighted that the UK has emerged as a world leader in the renewable energy race, with a particular focus on wind energy. Longbottom believes that UK companies have valuable experience to share with Japan, which is just beginning its decarbonisation journey.

The call to action by the British Ambassador comes at a time when there is growing global awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and Japan is also committed to this goal. Both countries recognise the need for investment in green technologies and have outlined ambitious plans to achieve their targets. For example, Japan aims to generate 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Longbottom's message to energy firms highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between countries, as well as the role that the private sector can play in driving the transition to clean energy. The UK's trade deal with 11 Asian and Pacific countries provides a platform for UK companies to expand their reach and take advantage of new opportunities in emerging markets.

The potential for UK companies to contribute to Japan's energy transition is significant, and Longbottom's rallying cry serves as a reminder that there is much work to be done to achieve global decarbonisation goals. The development and deployment of new green technologies will be critical to this effort, and UK companies are well-positioned to play a leading role. By supporting Japan's carbon-neutral ambitions, UK energy firms can not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also benefit from new business opportunities and partnerships in a growing market. Photo by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Wikimedia commons.