Japan promises $121m for clean energy

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Source: correspondents in Kyoto

JAPAN has pledged $US100 million ($121 million) to support clean energy projects in Asia, as rapid economic growth brings rising emissions of greenhouse gases.

Japan will also offer loans totalling up to $US2 billion ($2.4 billion) over five years to promote sustainable development and measures to combat climate change, Finance Minister Koji Omi told the Asian Development Bank's annual meeting.

"With Asia's role in the world economy growing, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from Asia are having an increasing environmental impact," he said.

"At present, Asia accounts for about 30 per cent of global energy consumption," he said, adding that the region's energy use would double by 2030 from current levels.

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