Japan to oppose new or expanded coal-fired power plants in blow to Australian exports

Australia's top export market for thermal coal gives further signs of dramatic energy pivot to renewables

Japan's environment minister has announced he will "in principle" oppose any new plans to build or expand coal-fired power stations, as further signs emerge of a dramatic energy pivot by Australia's top export market for thermal coal.

Guardian Australia reported in March that Japan had cancelled a large percentage of planned investments in coal-fired power, while Japanese investment vehicles were ditching coal projects and instead seeking to back large-scale renewable projects across Asia.