Japan energy mix

Coal is on its last gasp – only legacy energy sector policy stands in the way of a self-reliant, self-sustaining future.

Since December, civil society protests have marked the Japanese government's drafting of its basic energy and climate action plans.

The yawning gap between vision and policy reality jeopardizes Japan’s important energy security goals and efforts to decarbonize the energy supply.

Japan’s decarbonization strategy is being slammed by environmental groups for prioritizing “clean” coal. 

Several factors continue to hamper the formulation of a more ambitious policy, but change might be coming.

The energy-rich U.S. state has attracted increased interest from Japan as Tokyo seeks to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas.

Japan aims to lead Asia toward a carbon-free society but failed to commit to a turn away from fossil fuel projects. 

Japan can – and should – pursue an energy mix that is both carbon-neutral and avoids reliance on nuclear energy.

The nuclear accident also marked a defining moment in Japan’s energy debate.

On paper, Japan and Russia have complementary economies. In reality, trade and investment ties have been hard to forge.

Decarbonization usually means boosting renewable energy, but Japan is also looking to push nuclear energy.

Japan’s latest carbon-neutrality pledge puts the spotlight on the challenges facing the country’s nuclear power industry.