Japan´s energy future: Between a return to nuclear energy and a turn to renewables

  • María Francisca Casado Universidad Europea de Madrid
Keywords: Energy security, energy mix, National Security Strategy of Japan, Strategic Energy Plan, nuclear energy, renewable energies, Japan, Fukushima.

Abstract

After the triple disaster of 11 March 2011, Japan is at an energy crossroad. In the short and medium run it depends on fossil fuel imports to ensure its energy security, but the long term will be determined by the decisions taken at present. For Japan energy security is a national security challenge, as stated in its National Security Strategy. The article reviews the Japanese nuclear path, studies the factors shaping the Japanese electricity market and analyzes the current energy situation. Moreover, it also assesses the principles that have marked Japan’s energy policy and the two last Strategic Energy Plans -one prior to Fukushima and the other after it- before tackling the debate on the optimal future energy mix that Japan should adopt to meet its energy security trilemma, marked by its environmental commitment.

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Published
2016-05-17
How to Cite
Francisca Casado M. (2016). Japan´s energy future: Between a return to nuclear energy and a turn to renewables. UNISCI Journal, 41, 71-103. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_RUNI.2016.n41.52675
Section
Artículos