Electricity in Japan in 2023/2024

In the period from October 2023 to September 2024, Japan's electricity consumption leaned heavily on fossil fuels. More than half—approximately 65%—of Japan's electricity came from fossil energy sources such as gas, coal, and oil. Gas alone accounted for almost a third of the total electricity consumption, and coal followed closely. In contrast, electricity from low-carbon sources constituted roughly a third of the total. Solar energy was the leading low-carbon source, providing a bit more than 10%, followed by hydropower and nuclear, both contributing almost similarly. Biofuels and wind played much smaller roles, together adding a minimal amount to the low-carbon electricity mix.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Japan could place emphasis on expanding its existing solar infrastructure. Learning from successful nations could be pivotal in this endeavor. Countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate significant reliance on nuclear energy, contributing around 68% and 60% to their electricity mix, respectively. Similarly, Denmark and Lithuania showcase robust wind energy utilization, significant parts of their national electricity supply. Japan could emulate such models by optimizing policies and investments that promote the expansion of nuclear and wind energy technologies, learning from countries with similar industrial developments like South Korea, which also harnesses nuclear energy effectively, and Greece, which has embraced solar power.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Japan reveals notable fluctuations in nuclear energy generation over the decades. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Japan saw substantial growth in nuclear electricity, aligning with global energy trends at the time. However, in the early 2000s, there were periods marked by significant declines, notably in 2003 and 2007. This trend continued into the 2011-2012 period, driven by the large reduction primarily post-Fukushima, which saw massive declines in nuclear output. Despite these setbacks, in the recent years, nuclear electricity has rebounded, notably in 2018 and 2023. These insights reflect the critical importance of energy policy stability and investment in infrastructure to sustain and grow low-carbon electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources