Japan’s industry ministry has started talks to develop the country’s next basic energy plan, which will be in line with the ambitious objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
This action follows a significant policy change by PM Kishida in 2022 when he emphasised the need to quickly restart nuclear units to address energy issues, some of which were a result of the situation in Ukraine.
Approximately 70% of Japan’s electrical generation currently comes from fossil fuels, on which the country is largely dependent. Japan’s government updates its energy policy on average every three to four years.
Minister Ken Saito, speaking at a panel with energy and business experts, emphasised the importance of continuing to make energy security a priority in the face of the growing global push for decarbonisation. The current energy strategy was approved in October 2021 by advocating for fewer nuclear plants rather than more.
Japan’s approach to accelerating decarbonisation activities between 2035 and 2040 while maintaining a steady energy supply will be outlined in the next plan. It is important to reduce coal-fired power generation and ensure a steady supply of LNG to ensure a successful energy transition, which the administration finds crucial.
