Jul 3, 2018
In response to the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, in April 2014 the Government of Japan established the fourth Strategic Energy Plan for 2030 which stated the policies of reducing nuclear power dependency, reducing fossil resources dependency, and expanding renewable energy.
Summary of the National Hydrogen Strategy:
Following the 2011 earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, Japan established its fourth Strategic Energy Plan in 2014, emphasizing reduced dependency on nuclear power and fossil resources while expanding renewable energy.
By 2018, Japan recognized the need to revise its 2030 plans and consider its energy strategies up to 2050, especially in light of the Paris Agreement and potential future depletion of fossil resources.
The trauma and lessons from the Fukushima accident remain a central consideration. Japan is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the accident, including compensation, decontamination, waste storage, and reactor decommissioning.
Japan prioritizes safety in its energy decisions, aiming to reduce nuclear dependency and expand renewable energy.
Energy independence has been a consistent goal for Japan. With the global push towards decarbonization, as seen in the Paris Agreement, Japan sees an overlap with its energy choices.
Japan acknowledges the challenges with current energy sources: renewable energies like solar and wind require adjustments, nuclear power hasn't fully regained societal trust, and fossil resources need further development for decarbonization.
For 2050, Japan anticipates potential technological breakthroughs. The nation sees intensified global competition in energy technologies, including renewable energy, electricity storage, hydrogen, and nuclear power.
Japan, lacking in fossil resources, believes that leading in energy technologies is crucial. The country aims to spearhead the development of decarbonization technologies through public-private partnerships.
The fifth Strategic Energy Plan focuses on achieving the 2030 energy mix and sets a vision for energy transitions and decarbonization by 2050. Japan hopes its policies will shape the nation's future energy landscape.
Read the strategy here: