Apr 2023
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.
Read more
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
Japan data explorer
Explore more data
Analysis
-
Japan 2021
Energy Policy Review
-
Japan Oil Security Policy
Part of Oil Security Policy
-
Japan Natural Gas Security Policy
Part of Natural Gas Security Policy
-
Japan Electricity Security Policy
Part of Electricity Security Policy
-
Fuel economy in Japan
-
Japan Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
Part of Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
-
Japan will have to tread a unique pathway to net zero, but it can get there through innovation and investment
Commentary — 28 June 2021
-
The Potential of Behavioural Interventions for Optimising Energy Use at Home
Events
19 May 2022
Achieving Net Zero Heavy Industry Sectors in G7 Members
08 Jul 2021 10:00—11:00
Leveraging carbon pricing to accelerate power sector decarbonisation in Asia Pacific
04 Mar 2021 10:00—10:45
Japan 2021: Energy Policy Review
Latest news
IEA provides analysis on wide range of fuels and technologies for Japan’s G7 Presidency
Executive Director meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan on energy crisis and G7
IEA Chief Economist receives Japanese Emperor's Order of the Rising Sun
UK government and IEA spearhead largest ever global initiative to make products more energy efficient
Policies
Policy
Country
Year
Status
Jurisdiction
-
Japan 2022 In force International
-
Japan 2022 In force National