US cannot rely on allies to meet climate goals, warns Mitsubishi

Introduction

Climate change demands urgent action, yet a recent warning from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries suggests that the United States cannot lean on its allies alone to hit emission targets. As global solidarity falters under geopolitical tensions and economic pressures, Mitsubishi’s message is clear: domestic leadership and investment in clean energy technologies are crucial for meeting US climate goals. In this article, we explore Mitsubishi’s warning, examine the risks of over-reliance on partners, and outline the steps the US must take to secure a low-carbon future.

Mitsubishi’s Warning in Context

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a global leader in energy systems and industrial equipment, recently cautioned that countries are increasingly prioritizing their own energy security over international cooperation. In a speech at the World Energy Congress, a senior Mitsubishi executive noted:

“While international collaboration remains important, the current geopolitics mean the United States cannot depend on allies to supply the low-carbon technologies and resources it needs. Domestic innovation and production must rise to the challenge.”

This warning comes at a time when the US has set ambitious targets under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50–52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Meeting these goals will require accelerating clean energy deployment, decarbonizing industries, and ensuring resilient supply chains for critical minerals and technologies.

Risks of Relying on Allies for Climate Solutions

Historically, the US has collaborated with European partners, Japan, South Korea, and others on climate initiatives—from joint research on carbon capture to shared commitments at climate summits. However, depending too heavily on external sources introduces risks:

1. Supply Chain Disruptions: Political conflicts, trade disputes, or pandemics can interrupt the flow of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and rare earth minerals.
2. Technology Competition: Allies may prioritize their own domestic markets, limiting exports of key technologies or skilled labor.
3. Geopolitical Shifts: Changes in leadership or policy (e.g., export controls on critical minerals) can leave the US scrambling for alternatives.
4. Price Volatility: Global demand spikes can drive up prices for clean energy components, making domestic projects more expensive.

Mitsubishi argues that by building robust, homegrown industries, the US can buffer against these uncertainties and maintain control over critical climate solutions.

The US Climate Goals: A Closer Look

The US has laid out several key objectives in its climate strategy:

• 50% Emissions Reduction by 2030: This target requires slashing 16 billion metric tons of CO₂-equivalent from current projections.
• Achieving Net-Zero by 2050: A complete transformation of energy, transport, and industrial systems is needed.
• Deployment of Clean Technologies: The IRA alone allocates over $369 billion in incentives to spur solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage, and carbon capture.
• Electrification of Transport: The Transportation Department aims to transition to electric vehicles for 50% of new car sales by 2030.

Reaching these targets demands not only policy support but also a strong domestic manufacturing base to produce and install the needed technologies at scale.

Domestic Climate Action: Key Areas for Investment

To heed Mitsubishi’s warning, the US should focus on several critical sectors:

1. Renewable Energy Manufacturing

Building factories for solar cells, wind turbine blades, and battery packs creates jobs and ensures supply security. Repurposing old auto plants into clean energy hubs can accelerate this shift.

2. Critical Minerals and Battery Supply Chains

The US depends on imports for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. Developing domestic mining, refining, and recycling capabilities will safeguard battery production for electric vehicles and grid storage.

3. Grid Modernization

A flexible, smart grid can integrate variable renewables and manage demand. Investing in high-voltage transmission lines, microgrids, and advanced sensors ensures reliability as the energy mix evolves.

4. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Scaling CCUS technologies can decarbonize hard-to-abate industries like cement, steel, and chemicals. Captured CO₂ can be stored underground or used for enhanced oil recovery and synthetic fuels.

5. Green Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen produced via renewable-powered electrolysis offers a zero-emission fuel for heavy transport, shipping, and industrial heat. Domestic hydrogen plants will reduce reliance on imported natural gas and overseas projects.

6. Energy Efficiency and Building Retrofits

Upgrading heating, cooling, insulation, and lighting in homes and offices cuts energy use and lowers costs. Incentives for weatherization and efficient appliances drive rapid uptake.

Japan and Europe: Lessons from Allies

While Mitsubishi warns against over-reliance, allies offer valuable lessons:

• Japan’s Integrated Energy Strategy: Japan combines nuclear, hydrogen, and renewables with a strong focus on energy security. Its “Green Growth Strategy” targets specific sectors for decarbonization and industrial leadership.
• Germany’s Renewable Expansion: The Energiewende policy spurred wind and solar growth, though grid bottlenecks and community resistance slowed progress. The US can avoid similar pitfalls by planning transmission and stakeholder engagement early.
• European Critical Minerals Alliances: The EU is forging partnerships with Australia, Canada, and African nations to diversify mineral sources. The US can mirror this approach but still build domestic refining capacity.

By studying successful policies abroad—while building homegrown capabilities—the US can craft a balanced, resilient climate strategy.

Policy Measures to Drive Domestic Growth

Several policy tools can spur the needed investments:

1. Tax Credits and Grants: Extending and expanding IRA incentives for manufacturing facilities and clean projects.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between DOE, private firms, and universities to pilot emerging technologies.
3. Worker Training Programs: Investing in technical education and reskilling programs to prepare a clean energy workforce.
4. Streamlined Permitting: Faster approvals for renewable projects, transmission lines, and critical mineral mines, balanced with environmental safeguards.
5. Buy American Requirements: Encouraging federal and state agencies to procure domestically made clean energy equipment.

These measures create a virtuous cycle: investment spurs innovation, drives down costs, and unlocks new markets.

Addressing Challenges and Mitigating Risks

Scaling domestic industries carries its own hurdles:

• Capital Costs: Building new factories and mines requires massive upfront investment. Incentive structures must be robust to attract private capital.
• Environmental Concerns: Mining and manufacturing have ecological impacts. Strong regulations and community engagement ensure sustainable development.
• Global Competition: Countries like China have led in solar panel and battery manufacturing. The US must match or exceed these efforts through strategic incentives and innovation.
• Workforce Availability: Rapid expansion demands skilled workers. Combining immigration reform with training can fill labor gaps.

Mindful policy design and public outreach can mitigate these risks and build broad support for the transition.

The Road Ahead for US Climate Leadership

Mitsubishi’s warning underscores a clear message: global cooperation is vital, but countries must also stand on their own feet. For the US, this means:

• Doubling Down on Domestic Production: From solar modules to green hydrogen plants, homegrown industries keep the lights on and emissions down.
• Strengthening Alliances, Not Depending on Them: Continue sharing research and best practices, while ensuring each nation can meet its clean energy needs internally.
• Leading by Example: A successful domestic clean energy transition positions the US as a global model, encouraging other countries to follow suit.

By combining international cooperation with robust domestic action, the United States can fulfill its climate commitments and drive a sustainable economic revival.

Conclusion

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ warning that the US cannot rely on allies to meet climate goals is not a call for isolation but a reminder of the need for homegrown solutions. The path to 2030 and beyond requires massive investment in renewable manufacturing, critical minerals, smart grids, carbon capture, and more. By adopting strong policies—tax incentives, public-private partnerships, streamlined permitting, and workforce training—the US can secure its energy future and maintain leadership in the global fight against climate change. As the world watches, America’s success in building a resilient, low-carbon economy will inspire other nations to chart their own courses toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet.