In 2024, Japan's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, which account for almost 69% of the total, with gas and coal each contributing just under a third. The remainder of Japan's electricity mix is sourced from clean energy, making up a little more than 31%. Solar power is a significant contributor within this group, accounting for nearly 10% of the total electricity consumption, while nuclear power generates a little over 8%. Hydropower, biofuels, and wind contribute to the low-carbon mix at 7.6%, 4.5%, and about 1%, respectively. This mix showcases a need for expansion in low-carbon energy production to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and their adverse effects on climate and air quality.
Is Electricity Growing in Japan?
Japan's electricity consumption, when measured per person, shows a decline from historical highs. At 8220 kWh per person in 2024, consumption has decreased by around 915 kWh since the previous peak in 2010. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person has also seen a significant reduction, with current numbers dropping by 954 kWh from their 1998 record. This staggering reduction reflects the challenges and setbacks that Japan may have faced in expanding its clean energy capacity over the years. For a country looking to lead in sustainable energy practices, this stagnation in both overall and clean electricity usage is a situation demanding urgent attention and strategic shifts.
Suggestions
To propel its low-carbon electricity generation forward, Japan can take inspiration from countries that have successfully harnessed specific clean energy types. Nations like France and Slovakia have leveraged nuclear power to supply a substantial part of their electricity needs, with over 60% of their electricity coming from this source. Japan, with its existing nuclear infrastructure, can expand upon this, pushing further for safety and technology improvements to increase its nuclear output. Additionally, increasing the share of solar energy should be a strategic focus, drawing on the sunny climate that can support broader implementation as seen in countries like Lebanon. Both nuclear and solar present scalable solutions that Japan could prioritize to drive a sustainable, clean energy future.
History
Japan's historical journey with low-carbon electricity reflects both substantial achievements and setbacks, especially concerning nuclear energy. The late 1970s and 1980s ushered in a golden era of nuclear energy expansion, with significant annual increases. However, the early 2000s were marked by unexpected downturns in nuclear output, which saw drastic reductions, highlighting interruptions that may have hindered progress. After a severe decline following 2011, Japan has been gradually recuperating its nuclear capacity since 2018. The occasional setbacks emphasize the critical need for consistent policy and investment in clean energy infrastructure, especially in solar and nuclear power, to ensure Japan's position as a leader in clean electricity generation.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.