Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
prices during this period, Japanese energy consumers were particularly hard
hit because of this high dependence. Like in other nations, this crisis precipi-
tated a strategic shift away from dependence on oil. Unlike in other nations,
Japan did not have much in the way of indigenous energy resources to exploit.
Consequently, a common strategic thread in Japanese energy planning since
the 1970s has been to facilitate a shift away from oil via a shift into natural gas,
nuclear power, and coal electricity generation technologies.
Japan's commitment to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions under
the Kyoto Protocol has also inluenced the evolution of the nation's energy mix.
For Japan, the Kyoto Protocol, which was drafted at the hird Conference of
the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in 1997, represented a chance to demonstrate leadership
in an area of international signiicance. herefore, there was a considerable
amount of political pressure attached to achieving Japan's 2008-2012 Kyoto
Protocol round one (2008-2012) GHG emission reduction target of 6% below
1990 levels. To achieve this goal, the electricity sector was targeted as a priority
area for facilitating GHG emission reductions. In the short term, the strate-
gic intent was to replace oil-ired and coal-ired power plants with gas-ired
power plants. In the medium term, the government announced a 2006 plan
to expand the nation's nuclear power capacity to provide 40% of the nation's
electricity needs by 2030.
24
Figure 9.3 depicts Japan's electricity mix as it stood
in the lead up to the Fukushima disaster.
According to government documents, nuclear power was viewed as the
darling technology of a new low-carbon Japanese economy because it also
enhanced energy security and held economic appeal.
25
he government has
Biomass
2%
Renewables
1%
Hydropower
7%
Coal
27%
Nuclear
24%
Oil
13%
Gas
26%
2008 Total
Consumption
1075 TWh
Figure 9.3
. Japan's Electricity Mix, 2008 (% Contribution by Energy Source)
Source
: World Energy Outlook 2009, International Energy Agency.
