RECOMMENDATION
Transitioning Energy Policies for a Decarbonized Society:
Redirecting Discussions on the Basic Energy Plan and Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies
Renewable Energy Institute issued a recommendation titled “Transitioning Energy Policies for a Decarbonized Society: Redirecting Discussions on the Basic Energy Plan and Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies.”
Since the enforcement of the Paris Agreement, transition to a decarbonized society has been gaining momentum across the world. As represented by remarkable expansion and dramatic cost reduction of renewable energy deployment, withdrawal from coal business, and peaking out of nuclear power, energy transition that will bring a significant change to the global economy and society is in progress.
In the last summer, discussions to review the Basic Energy Plan started in Japan. Also, it was decided that the whole government would work together to promote discussions on the formulation of long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies in an integrated manner. In this way, there are various movements concerning energy policies. However, some of these discussions, such as claim for continued support for coal business, are moving against the global trend of energy transition aiming for decarbonization.
This recommendation introduces decarbonization efforts around the world and suggests directions and perspectives for transition of energy policies to realize a decarbonized society in Japan. Policies focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy expansion can have a positive effect on not only decarbonization but also Japanese economy and society. In addition to this recommendation, Renewable Energy Institute will offer various recommendations to promote constructive discussions toward the realization of a decarbonized society.
View original full report in Japanese (Published in January 2018)
<Table of contents>
1. Introduction: Decarbonization strategies focusing on the utilization of renewable electricity
2. Three basic policies to achieve decarbonization
2-1. Basic policy 1: Achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2050
2-2. Basic policy 2: Immediate phase-out of coal-fired power plants
2-3. Basic policy 3: Energy efficiency as the first fuel
3. Other issues concerning decarbonization of electricity
―Is the utilization of nuclear power and CCS realistic?
3-1. Nuclear power generation has already peaked out
3-2. Soaring construction costs of new nuclear power plants
3-3. Stagnant deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS)
4. Conclusion
