19 May 2022
Japan
Over the last decade, Japan made substantial progress in implementing its vision of an efficient, resilient and sustainable energy system. The country’s strong innovation and technology base will play a vital role in developing the technologies needed to achieve its ambitions of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.
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Japan’s energy policy is guided by principles of energy security, economic efficiency, environmental sustainability and safety. In recent years Japan has diversified its energy mix, further enhanced the efficiency of fossil fuel use, and reduced energy demand. The country’s greenhouse gas emissions peaked in 2013 as fossil fuels filled the gap caused by the temporary shutdown of nuclear plants following the Fukushima accident, but by 2018 had fallen to 2009 levels.
Achieving the aim of carbon-neutrality by 2050 will require Japan to substantially accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies by 2030, to address regulatory and institutional barriers and further enhance competition in its energy markets. It will also be important to develop different decarbonisation scenarios, and to prepare for the possibility that certain low-carbon technologies, such as nuclear, might not expand as quickly as hoped.
Stronger reliance on market-based instruments, such as carbon pricing, could be one policy option for Japan to cost-effectively reduce emissions, foster innovation, and further increase the country’s high level of energy efficiency.
Achieving the aim of carbon-neutrality by 2050 will require Japan to substantially accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies by 2030, to address regulatory and institutional barriers and further enhance competition in its energy markets. It will also be important to develop different decarbonisation scenarios, and to prepare for the possibility that certain low-carbon technologies, such as nuclear, might not expand as quickly as hoped.
Stronger reliance on market-based instruments, such as carbon pricing, could be one policy option for Japan to cost-effectively reduce emissions, foster innovation, and further increase the country’s high level of energy efficiency.
Last updated Dec 16, 2021
Key energy statistics
Data browser
Analysis
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Japan 2021
Energy Policy Review
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Japan Oil Security Policy
Part of Oil Security Policy
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Japan Natural Gas Security Policy
Part of Natural Gas Security Policy
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Japan Electricity Security Policy
Part of Electricity Security Policy
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Fuel economy in Japan
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Japan Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
Part of Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
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IEA Contribution to G20 Energy in 2019
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Policies
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Year
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Japan 2022 In force International