The Japanese government has approved a new Energy Development Plan that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and strengthen the country’s energy security. The focus is on the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and nuclear power as key carbon-free energy sources. The plan marks a significant shift in Japan’s energy policy, especially in light of the abandonment of the previous strategy of reducing dependence on nuclear power following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

Key goals and measures

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions:

• By 2035, emissions must be reduced by 60% compared to 2013 levels.
• By 2040, emissions are planned to be reduced by 73%.

The role of nuclear energy

The share of nuclear energy in the country’s energy balance should increase from 8.5% in 2023 to 20% by 2040. The government will ease requirements for replacing old reactors with new ones, allowing energy companies to install new reactors on the territory of existing nuclear power plants.

Development of renewable energy sources

The share of renewable energy sources in electricity production should increase from 22.9% in 2023 to 40-50% by 2040. Solar energy will become a key area: its share in electricity generation should increase from 9.8% to 23-29% by 2040. To achieve these goals, innovative technologies will be promoted, such as perovskite solar panels that can be installed on the roofs and walls of low-bearing buildings. By 2040, it is planned to introduce 20 GW of capacity of such panels.

Reduction in the share of thermal energy

The share of coal and other thermal energy should decrease from 68.6% to 30-40% by 2040.

Mandatory measures for solar energy

The installation of solar panels on the roofs of government buildings will be mandatory: 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. For residential buildings, the plan is to ensure that 60% of new homes have solar power plants by 2030. Recycling of solar panels will be mandatory.

Developing infrastructure for electric vehicles

By 2030, the network of charging stations for electric vehicles will be expanded to 300,000.

Use of abandoned land and agrovoltaics

The production of renewable energy on abandoned agricultural land and the development of agrovoltaics (a combination of agriculture and solar energy) will be encouraged.

Technological and economic aspects

Perovskite solar panels: Japan is counting on this technology to reduce the cost of electricity to 10-14 yen (0.067-0.093 USD) / kWh by 2040.

Economies of scale: Adoption of new technologies and mass production will reduce the cost of electricity generation.

Conclusions

Japan’s new energy plan reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The focus on renewables and nuclear power, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies such as perovskite solar panels, demonstrate Japan’s readiness to become a technological leader in the energy sector. However, the success of this strategy will depend on the effectiveness of the plan’s implementation, including overcoming technical, economic and social challenges.