このページを 日本語 で読む
The Japanese Cabinet has approved two key national plans for Japan's energy future. One is on global warming countermeasures, and the other establishes a mid- to long-term strategic energy policy.
Global warming and energy issues are inextricably linked and critical to the nation's fate. If plans addressing them are unreasonable, Japan could not achieve a "stable energy supply, economic growth and decarbonization." Both plans, however, require flexible implementation in response to domestic and international circumstances.
President Donald Trump has again decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international agreement to prevent global warming. Meanwhile, developments in Russia, China, and the Middle East are increasing international tensions, forcing Japan to strengthen its energy security. These circumstances are behind the latest versions of the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures and the 7th Strategic Energy Plan.
Tackling Global Warming Without Big Emitters?
The Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures was revised for the first time in three and a half years. It aims for a 60% reduction in Japan's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as carbon dioxide, by FY2035, and 73% by FY2040, compared to FY2013. The target for FY2035 has been reported to the United Nations as called for by the Paris Agreement.
Previously, the target was a 46% GHG reduction by FY2030. This suggests that further reductions in industrial and other emissions could be required in the days to come.
Nevertheless, Japan's GHG emissions account for just 3% of total global emissions. Even if Japan makes every effort to achieve a 60% reduction, it amounts to merely 1.8% for the entire planet.
China, the world's largest emitter, shows no inclination to reduce emissions. And the United States, the second largest emitter, is also withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. Consequently, Japan's best efforts will have no significant effect.
Giving Green Energy a Chance
Although these measures to prevent global warming appear to be largely futile, they are supported by the new Strategic Energy Plan under Japan's basic energy policy. It, too, was revised for the first time in three and a half years.
The plans position nuclear power and renewable energy as "power sources that contribute to energy security and can prove highly effective regarding decarbonization." Commendably, the government acknowledges that "it is essential to make maximum use" of both types of clean energy.
Another step forward is the removal of the phrase "reduce reliance on nuclear power as much as possible." That phrase was adopted in the Strategic Energy Plan after the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant disaster.
The report correctly evaluates the importance of a stable supply of nuclear power, saying that it will "meet the new demand needs of data centers, semiconductor fabrication plants, etc."
Nonetheless, nuclear power is projected to account for only about 20% of the nation's power source mix in FY2040. Thus, nuclear power ranks below solar power generation, which is causing environmental problems.
If optimal use of nuclear power only remains a pipe dream, that will weaken Japan's industrial competitiveness. In the meantime, the world is moving toward new or additional innovative next-generation reactors.
RELATED:
- Consider the Paris Agreement Questions Raised by Trump's Exit
- Finally, An Energy Plan That Calls for Nuclear Power Use
- COP29: Make the Biggest Polluters Do More on Climate Change
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
このページを 日本語 で読む