Renewable Energy in Japan: Clean Energy Transition

Introduction

One of the worlds largest renewable energy markets lies in Japan, as the vision is for long-term growth potential. Renewable energy in Japan became significantly important after the Fukushima Daiichi and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011. This event made Japan rethink its reliance on nuclear power as it was very costly, making Japan look for other more sustainable and less costly resources over the long-term and shut down their nuclear reactors, making their renewable energy sector grow significantly.

Japans Strategy and Objectives

It is evident now that many countries try to contribute to fighting climate change and other negative impacts on the environment, and Japan is not an exception. Since July 2012, the ministry responsible for developing and enforcing the Japanese renewable energy laws has been encouraging the deployment of renewable energy. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has been aiming to maintain the usage of the power grid to increase renewable energy installation.

Recently, in 2021, METI published their sixth strategic energy plan. According to it, by 2050, greenhouse gas emissions will be completely neutral (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2022). Additionally, as soon as in 2030, 46% of the greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in comparison to the statistic published eight years ago in 2013. Japans previous 2030 target for renewable energy was 22-24%, and now it is 36-38% a significant decision and step that will greatly contribute to the improvement of the countrys national and also global environment (Obayashi, 2021). Overall, in green energy, Japan will aim for 14-16% to come from solar, 5% from wind, 1% from geothermal, 11% from hydropower and 5% from biomass (Obayashi, 2021, para. 6). These numbers allow people to hope for the better future and improved attitudes towards the Earth.

Alternative Sources of Energy in Japan

The first alternative that the country focuses on is hydrogen energy. Japan seeks to commercialise hydrogen power as hydrogen ranks as one of the top key factors affecting decarbonisation and energy security. METI has introduced a basic strategy for the development of their hydrogen society as hydrogen is listed as one of their key sectors out of the 14 in Japans Green Growth Strategy (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2022). Interestingly, in 2017, Japan was the first country to adopt a national hydrogen framework, and now it is trying to improve its access to hydrogen feedstocks (Nakano, 2021, para. 2). Therefore, for Japan, this is a good short-term perspective, and decreases in hydrogens production cost is a major objective.

Offshore Wind Power

Furthermore, the introduction, development and promotion of offshore wind are among the top priorities in Japans renewables. Since Japan has enormous potential for offshore wind due to its substantial coastline, the Japanese government has induced laws in order to strengthen the regulation of offshore wind. According to researchers, the government plans to install up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and up to 45 GW by 2040 to curb emissions (Obayashi, 2022, para. 7). Additionally, the country works with private sectors to promote offshore wind circulations and generations both locally and within the international hemisphere.

Solar and Nuclear Power

From April 2022, Japan introduced a feed-in-premium system which encourages the implementation and usage of large solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass projects. It is noticeable that solar power projects have been decreasing yearly, and this alternative that seemed beneficial can actually bring new problems. According to researchers, there are forty-seven prefectures in Japan, and 80% of them have various issues with solar power (Takahashi, Furuyashiki and Oka, 2021). At the same time, combat against climate change is more essential nowadays, meaning that new measures and rules are being introduced for those Japanese areas where solar power panels are installed.

Further, it is estimated that within eight years, solar power will become cheaper than nuclear power. Consequently, a new decommissioning mandatory cost reserve will be implemented this year as the METI recognises that additional costs such as battery and the balancing system procedures will have to be considered for solar power. Concerning nuclear power, researchers indicate that as of June 2022, 10 nuclear reactors at six power stations have been given the go-ahead to restart in Japan, but only 4 reactors are currently in operation (Chkgoku Electric Power Company, 2022, para. 1). While nuclear energy is still considered a good option, additional and more severe safety measures are required for other reactors to begin their work.

Carbon Technologies

Japan is also encouraging the promotion of carbon capture, storage and utilisation technologies. The reason is that, in 2019, METI established a carbon recycling advancement office. While it might be a little move but should not be turned a blind eye to as it is indeed important in Japans renewable energy vision. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (2022, para. 3), Japan is on its course to become carbon neutral in 30 years. Overall, net zero GHG emissions are expected to be achieved by 2050 (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2022, para. 3). As a result, this will be a major step and improvement, allowing Japan to contribute greatly to global efforts.

Biomass Fuels and Geothermal Projects

Internationally, Japan relies heavily on imported biomass fuels which makes Japan plan to build large-scale biomass power plants. However, there is no solid plan as of right now as lifecycle analysis that assesses food-feed-fuel competition is still pending. Also, despite Japan being the worlds third largest potential in geothermal, due to legal barriers and social barriers, the development is quite limited. At the same time, it is possible to hope that these alternatives will also bring benefits and allow the county to become more environmentally friendly.

Abandonment of Coal-Fired Power

As for coal-fired power, METI wants to completely erase coal-fired generation in order to shift towards the usage of renewable energy firstly and secondly, to reduce carbon emissions. According to Dr Fatih Birol, Japan needs to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies, remove regulatory barriers, and increase competition in its energy markets if it is to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050 (International Energy Agency, 2021, para. 3). The research notes that while the use of renewable energy in the countrys power industry has increased steadily, grid issues have made it difficult to invest in new projects and caused problems for supply security (International Energy Agency, 2021). More renewable energy can be incorporated while also strengthening system resilience if a well-connected national grid is built and initiatives are taken to make the electrical system more operationally efficient. A minute reserve margin in Japans electricity systems has made Japan realise the importance of international relations and having a sufficient reserve or, for better words, local independence with regards to resources due to the aftermath of the cold snap in January.

Technological Development

The IEA study highlights that Japan can play a key role in developing the technologies necessary to fulfil its 2050 energy and climate objectives thanks to its strong research and technological foundation. As long-distance transportation and heavy industry are among the hardest industries to decarbonise, Dr Birol stated: I applaud Japan for its leadership in advancing low-carbon hydrogen and carbon-recycling technologies (Energy Connects, 2021, para. 7). For these technologies to be extensively utilised, their costs must be decreased. Another option for Japan to cut emissions cost-effectively, promote the development of low-carbon technology, and further improve the countrys already high level of energy efficiency is to place more emphasis on market-based mechanisms.

Communitys Efforts

There are many opportunities that took place this year, ranging from exhibitions to global and local events, as well as fairs and weeks dedicated to improving Japans energy usage. Ordinary people are involved in the states strategy and strive to help their country become more environmentally friendly. Such public events are aimed at shedding light on how Japan can become a global figure when it comes to the states use of natural resources (Suzuki, 2022). Japan also demonstrates that it abides by the visions of the UN of countries, decreasing its carbon emissions worldwide.

Conclusion

To draw a conclusion, one may say that Japan faces a serious but quite achievable challenge. The country manages to introduce effective plans and objectives, achieve short- and long-term goals and prove to other states that it is possible to contribute greatly to the global combat against climate change and pollution. Currently, a number of effective renewable energy alternatives are introduced in Japan, which makes its environment healthier. Not only the states government but also the community are involved in the strategy, making it easier to achieve common objectives and solve emerging issues.