[Special Contents] Energy SecurityNow Is the Time to Accelerate the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels

in Japanese

The crisis in the Middle East has exposed Japan’s vulnerability stemming from its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, which account for 84% of the country’s energy supply. The fundamental solution is to increase Japan’s energy self-sufficiency. Even in the short term, public funds should be directed toward measures that contribute to greater energy self-sufficiency, rather than temporary measures such as gasoline subsidies.

Renewable Energy Institute has long pointed out that many countries can strengthen their energy security by making use of widely available renewable energy resources, including solar and wind power, and has called for an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels.

Japan, too, can increase its energy self-sufficiency and become more secure and resilient by accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and advancing electrification.

This special contents page presents Renewable Energy Institute's reports, columns, policy recommendations, and other publications that show how renewable energy can strengthen energy security.

Reports & Recommendations　　　　　Columns

Reports & Recommendations　* indicate contents in Japanese

• 

  [Report]
  Accelerating the Energy Transition for Enhanced Energy Security
  Implications of the 2026 Strait of Hormuz Closure Crisis *
  4 June 2026

  What if Japan had accelerated its energy transition in response to the 2022 energy crisis? How much could it have reduced the impact of the 2026 energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz? Using a power supply-demand simulation model, this report quantifies the potential benefits of accelerating the transition through expanded renewable energy, greater energy efficiency, and electrification.

• 

  [Policy Proposals]
  Middle East Crisis Highlights Japan’s Energy Risk
  Now Is the Time to Accelerate the Transition from Fossil Fuels
  Strengthening Energy Self-sufficiency Through Renewables, Efficiency, and Electrification
  17 April 2026

  The Middle East crisis has once again exposed Japan's vulnerability resulting from its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels. This proposal presents practical measures to strengthen Japan's energy security and increase energy self-sufficiency through expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating electrification. It outlines seven measures that can deliver results within the year, along with six institutional and regulatory reforms to support Japan's transition away from fossil fuels.

• 

  [Comment]
  Middle East Crisis: Now Is the Time to Accelerate Japan’s Energy Transition
  Expanding Renewable Energy Is the Key to Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels
  19 March 2026

  The Middle East crisis triggered by the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel has highlighted Japan's vulnerability stemming from its low energy self-sufficiency and dependence on imported fossil fuels. This commentary argues that expanding renewable energy is essential to strengthening energy security and increasing energy self-sufficiency. It also emphasizes that renewable energy is at the core of Japan's GX (Green Transformation) strategy and calls for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

• 

  [Report]
  Progress in Diversifying the Global Solar PV Supply Chain
  18 December 2024

  This report analyzes the current progress in diversifying the global solar PV supply chain. It finds that manufacturing capacity is expanding in the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and India, while advances in recycling and the commercialization of Japan's perovskite solar cells are expected to further strengthen the resilience of the supply chain.

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  [Report]
  Renewables to Strengthen Energy Security in Europe and Japan
  5 July 2022

  This report examines the energy security challenges exposed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, focusing on energy supply in Europe and Japan amid the energy and climate crises. It calls for reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and uranium and accelerating the transition to a renewable energy-based system. It also stresses the need for more flexible power systems and stronger supply chains for critical minerals and related technologies.

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  [Statement]
  On the Energy Crisis Caused by the Invasion of Ukraine
  Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation are the Most Effective Measures for Energy Independence
  18 April 2022

  Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exposed the vulnerabilities resulting from continued dependence on fossil fuels. The statement stresses that greater energy efficiency and faster renewable energy deployment are essential to strengthening energy security. It also highlights the limitations of nuclear power and zero-emission thermal generation, concluding that Japan should pursue a fossil fuel phase-out centered on renewables and energy efficiency. This approach is critical to tackling both the climate and energy crises..

• 

  [Translation]
  A New World: The Geopolitics of Energy Transformation
  11 March 2019

  Renewable Energy Institute supported the Japanese translation of A New World: The Geopolitics of Energy Transformation, a report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2019.
  The rapid expansion of renewable energy, driven by technological innovation and declining costs, is transforming the global energy system. The report examines how this transformation is reshaping the geopolitical landscape long defined by fossil fuels, including the global balance of power, relations between states, and the risk of conflict.

Columns  * indicate contents in Japanese