Electricity in Japan in 2024
Currently, Japan relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with over two-thirds (around 68.5%) of its electricity generated from this source, predominantly gas and coal, each accounting for roughly a third. The remaining electricity generation, which accounts for close to a third of the total, comes from low-carbon energy sources. In this mix, solar power contributes roughly 10%, closely followed by nuclear energy at just over 8%. Hydropower provides just under 8%, whereas biofuels account for about 4.5%. Notably, wind energy contributes a little over 1%, reflecting a significant opportunity for further development of this clean energy source. The heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and climate change, thus highlighting the critical need for Japan to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Japan can draw valuable lessons from countries with successful low-carbon initiatives. For instance, Japan could significantly expand its nuclear power capacity by emulating countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes a substantial 68% and 62% of electricity generation, respectively. Countries like Denmark and Ireland have achieved significant shares of their electricity from wind power, 52% and 32% respectively, showcasing the potential of wind energy when strategically developed. Moreover, Japan can look at regions like Lebanon, where solar power contributes 31% to the electricity mix, emphasizing the viability of increased solar energy production. Implementing strategies from these countries can substantially reduce Japan's reliance on fossil fuels, improving sustainability and energy security.
History
Japan's journey to expanding low-carbon electricity began earnestly in the late 20th century, with nuclear energy seeing consistent growth during the 1980s, such as in 1985 with an increase of 25.3 TWh. However, the early 2000s marked a downturn with significant declines in nuclear generation, notably the drastic decrease of 55.1 TWh in 2003. A critical blow came with the 2011 reduction of 186.5 TWh, reflecting the challenges faced during this period. Despite setbacks, nuclear power resumed growth with substantial increases in recent years, particularly in 2018 and 2023, with increases of 32 TWh and 25.7 TWh, respectively. These shifts highlight fluctuating yet renewed efforts to embrace nuclear energy, amidst challenges, as a pivotal component of Japan's clean energy transition.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.