Japan’s updated energy plan reveals approach to nuclear and renewables

As climate change worsens and we continue to feel its impact, it is crucial to build a proper roadmap to combat the crisis. Global warming has gotten more attention, with countries worldwide making their own plans to deal with it.

Japan is no exception. The country recently released its 6th Strategic Energy Plan prior to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26). Increasing renewable energy is a large part of the plan. Japan aims to have 36 to 38% of its total power output come from renewable sources.

The plan focuses on S+3E

The ultimate goal is to become carbon neutral by 2050 and reduce overall carbon emissions by 46 to 50% by 2030. Japan also plans on increasing its international competitiveness as the world transitions to renewable sources. One running theme throughout the plan is the importance of safe and stable sources of energy. The term the document uses for this is S+3E, which stands for Safety, Energy Security, Environment and Economic Sufficiency.

Perhaps because of this emphasis on energy security, the plan still has a focus on nuclear power. Japan is striving for 20 to 22% nuclear energy generation by 2030. This is despite some anti-nuclear sentiment in the country as well as safety concerns due to the Fukushima disaster.

Emphasis on the recovery of Fukushima and nuclear power

The Strategic Energy Plan’s sections on nuclear power and Fukushima stress the need to reflect and learn from the incident. There is a lot of emphasis on prioritizing the safety of nuclear power while also reducing dependency on it. The plan also mentions the need to gain the trust and cooperation of society regarding nuclear power. Advancement of technology to reduce the volume and toxicity of nuclear waste is also given importance.

Besides energy sources, the plan also addresses the recovery of Fukushima Prefecture. The Fukushima reactor will, of course, be decommissioned as part of this. However, the plan’s Fukushima section also mentions lifting evacuation orders for most of the impacted areas, as well as reviving industry and people’s livelihoods.

The plan’s section on renewable energy further emphasizes the importance of S+3E and includes strategies for furthering the use of renewables. One aspect is the establishment of special areas for the promotion of renewable energy, including solar and wind. Another aspect is strengthening business regulations, such as technology standards for solar energy. Technology advancement is mentioned for all energy sources listed, but particularly for renewables. Solar and geothermal energy are two examples.

Torn between stability and sustainability

Generally, the plan pushes for more renewables and reduces carbon emissions. Though as seen through the S+3E, it also tries to balance various needs, including energy stability and costs. For cost and market concerns, the plan mentions utilizing feed-in tariffs (FITs) as well as feed-in premiums (FIPs). Stability is also why Japan is not giving up thermal power yet, as the plan cites that it can be useful for providing energy during momentary declines seen with some renewables. However, much like with nuclear, the plan says that Japan will strive to reduce its dependency on thermal power as much as possible.

Reliance on nuclear and coal are two points that may draw criticism both at home and overseas. Yet, Japan’s 6th Strategic Energy Plan still features much detail and ambition regarding the eventual move to a carbon-neutral future.