Japan is plans to incorporate some changes in its energy policy. As per a Reuters report, the island nations intends to have renewable eneryg constitute up to half of its electricity mix by fiscal year 2040. The shift in the country’s strategy is part of the country’s broader push towards clean energy.
Transition to Clean Energy
The newest energy policy of Japan primiarily centres on increasing the share of renewable energy. The island nations targets incorporating a 40% to 50% renewable energy share in its electricity mix by 2040. This number marks a surge from its previous share of 22.9% in fiscal year 2023.
The draft indicates that the transition to renewables is a must. This conclusion comes after considering the growing demand for energy and the need to solve environmental issues worldwide. But, the government admits that renewable energy alone cannot supply Japan’s energy needs in the short term.
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Nuclear Energy in the Mix
Besides the renewables, Japan plans to supply 20% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2040. This aligns with the 2030 target despite the still pending challenges after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. In 2023, nuclear energy represented only 8.5% of Japan’s electricity.
The draft energy plan has moved away from earlier language focused on nuclear reliance reduction. Instead, it makes provisions for building next generation reactors at existing nuclear plants. Innovations include improving safety and sustainability as the country wrestles with the long-term implications of its nuclear power strategy.
Phasing Out Thermal Power
Thermal power, particularly from coal-fired plants that are inefficient, will significantly decline. Japan also projects that coal will be reduced from 68.6% of its energy mix in 2023 to between 30% and 40% in 2040.
The draft policy acknowledges the necessity of LNG-fired power as a transitional fuel. Both government and private sectors must have secured long-term LNG contracts that protect against price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
Energy Security Amid Geopolitical Risks
The new energy policy reflects growing concerns about energy security. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with other geopolitical risks, has moved the focus of Japan away from solely decarbonizing its energy sector towards a more secure and resilient energy supply.
The government of Japan is also aiming to reduce its share of greenhouse gases. The draft policy contains lowering emissions by 60% by 2035, with a decrease of 73% by 2040.
Provisional Targets and Future Plans
While Japan’s energy plan for 2040 includes ambitious targets, the forecasts assume an increase in electricity demand by 12% to 22% from current levels. The final energy policy will be submitted to the United Nations in February. However, the plan omits specific targets for new fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, which were part of previous proposals.
