SmarterMarkets™ Summer Playlist 2025 Episode 10 | Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency (IEA)
Aug 30, 2025
Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus at the International Energy Agency, dives into the complex energy landscape in Japan and Korea. He discusses the energy trilemma, balancing security, affordability, and sustainability. The challenges of post-Fukushima nuclear energy are candidly addressed, alongside strategies for enhancing public trust. Tanaka also explores the potential of LNG and innovations in nuclear technology, emphasizing international collaboration for greener energy solutions. A thought-provoking conversation on the future of energy!
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Episode notes
Energy Security Became Multi-Dimensional
- The IEA mission expanded from oil supply security to a comprehensive energy security including efficiency, fuel switching, nuclear, and renewables.
- Geopolitics and climate change make energy policy far more complex than during Tanaka's IEA tenure.
Japan And Korea Rely On Nuclear And LNG
- Japan and Korea lack domestic fossil and renewable resources, so nuclear and LNG are central to their energy strategies.
- LNG became diversified and commoditized, supporting security and lower emissions compared with oil and coal.
Korea's Early Support For Tanaka At IEA
- Nobuo Tanaka recounts that South Korea was the first to support his IEA executive director candidacy.
- He credits Korean backing as essential to his election and re-election attempt.
