Measures to ensure Japan’s energy security as a response to current and new challenges

Abstract

Turbulence in global energy markets, caused, among other reasons, by anti-Russian sanctions, has led to additional challenges for the energy security of Japan, a country whose dependence on fossil fuel imports remains critically high. Despite the relative success in the development of renewable and hydrogen energy, as well as the implementation of plans to increase the share of nuclear power plants in the structure of electricity generation, Japan will not be able to count on energy self-sufficiency in the next 10–15 years, and these factors form mandatory conditions for reducing energy security risks. This is reflected not only in the diversification of suppliers and in the conclusion of mutually beneficial contracts with them, but also in strengthening the policy for the widespread utilization of “clean” energy sources, often even without taking into account the economic feasibility of such steps. In addition, significant funds are invested in achieving better energy efficiency indicators by improving intelligent control systems.

Keywords

• japan
• energy security
• renewable energy
• nuclear power plants
• energy conservation