Switched On

Japan Revisits Nuclear But Solar and Wind Are Future

Oct 4, 2023

Japan's transition from nuclear power to fossil fuels after the Fukushima incident, challenges in achieving net zero through renewables, potential and challenges of offshore wind projects, difficulties faced by renewable energy projects in Japan, the role of the Japanese government in energy deployment, and closing remarks and sponsor ad.

30:42

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Quick takeaways

Renewable energy, specifically solar and wind, are projected to account for over 80% of Japan's electricity generation by 2050, playing a crucial role in the country's pathway to net-zero emissions.

Despite having significant potential for geothermal energy, Japan faces challenges in deploying geothermal projects due to high development risks associated with drilling and opposition from local industries, hindering its full potential as a clean energy source in the nation.

Deep dives

Japan's Energy Mix and Emissions Targets

Japan's current energy mix relies heavily on fossil fuels, with coal, gas, and oil power plants supplying the majority of its electricity generation. This reliance on fossil fuels has led to high emissions, particularly in the power sector, which accounts for about 40% of total emissions in Japan. To address climate change, Japan has set two major decarbonization targets: a 46% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2013 levels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Introduction

3min

Japan's Energy System and Decarbonization Targets

12min

Offshore Wind Projects in Japan: Challenges and Opportunities

2min

Challenges and Constraints for Renewable Energy Deployment in Japan

4min

The Role of the Japanese Government in Energy Deployment

12min

Closing Remarks and Sponsor Ad

2min

Japan has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, yet the pathways to this target are complicated by the country’s recent history. In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown, Japan suspended all of its nuclear reactors, which at the time supplied one third of the nation’s energy. Today, the majority of these reactors still lie dormant, and fossil fuels are filling the energy void.

So how can Japan achieve its climate goals? On today’s show, Dana sits down with Isshu Kikuma, an associate from BNEF’s Tokyo office. Together they talk about the clean energy technologies Japan is using to replace its fossil fuel outlay, the country’s still-complex relationship with nuclear energy, and the surprising group that’s currently blocking the nation’s geothermal energy potential.

Today’s episode draws upon themes found in BNEF’s New Energy Outlook: Japan. The regional New Energy Outlook reports analyze local technology pathways to reach net zero and the policy recommendations BNEF identifies as key for a successful transition.

Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app.

Links to research notes from this episode:

NEO Japan - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31823/view

Geothermal in Japan: A Tale of Hot Springs Vs Net Zero - https://www.bnef.com/insights/30857

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Switched On

Japan Revisits Nuclear But Solar and Wind Are Future

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Japan's Energy Mix and Emissions Targets

Challenges with Nuclear Power

Renewable Energy Potential and Grid Challenges

Geothermal Energy Potential and Obstacles

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts