Japan lifts coal plant restrictions

Japan's government plans to temporarily lift restrictions on coal-fired power plants for a year, starting in April, to address an energy crunch. This decision allows older, less efficient coal plants to operate at full capacity, moving away from previous caps aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions. The move is a direct response to energy supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war, which has led Iran to partially close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy facilities. Japan, heavily reliant on the Middle East for oil, has also begun releasing strategic oil reserves. Other Asian nations like South Korea and the Philippines are also pivoting towards increased coal and nuclear power generation to stabilize their energy supplies and costs.