Japan’s Energy Security: Opportunities and Challenges of Renewables in post-Fukushima Energy Scenario

Abstract

At present, more than half of the world’s energy demands are fulfilled through fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels releases a large volume of Greenhouse Gases (hereafter GHG) and other pollutants, which are detrimental to GHG mitigation strategies. In addition, the highly fragmented nature of the global energy supply system has amplified the risk of market disruptions and unhealthy competitions for the limited energy resources. Renewable energy is a promising, heterogeneous, domestically sourced and important energy source free from GHG. Renewables is an ideal choice for an energy deficient country like Japan. The article looks at the prospects and challenges of renewable resources in achieving Japan's energy and climate change strategies. The paper argues that existence of a highly advanced renewable energy industry with huge funds for R&D is quite favourable. However, Japan lags behind other nations in the adoption of renewables. The paper identifies some serious obstacles in the adoption of renewables and transition away from fossil fuel dominated energy supply system.