Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5%
1%
2%
Combustible fuels
Nuclear Power
Hydro Power
Geothermal/Wind/Solar
92%
Figure 9.6
. Japan's Electricity Mix January 2013
Source
: International Energy Agency, Monthly Electricity Statistics, January 2013.
hey will remain idled pending safety assessments and how efectively the
radioactive waste leaks at Fukushima can be contained. As of January 13,
2013, Japan's electricity mix was as depicted in Figure 9.6.
Clearly, this implies that Japan's aspiration to play a leading role in facili-
tating global GHG emission reductions has suddenly become unhinged
because the switch from nuclear power has predominantly been accom-
plished by expanding gas-ired electricity capacity. In addition to inlating
GHG emissions, this shift has resulted in a substantial increase in energy
costs, estimated to be 15 to 20% for 2012 alone. Amidst all of this turmoil
lies an emergent opportunity for wind power developers.
9.3 HISTORY OF WIND POWER DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN
When it comes to wind power development, Japan is a comparative under-
achiever. As of the end of 2012, Japan possessed 2,649 MW of installed wind
power capacity. his is miniscule in comparison to other major economies
such as China (75,564 MW of installed wind power capacity), the United
States (60,007 MW), and Germany (31,332 MW).
29
Some telling statistics illustrate how wind power has been something of
an afterthought in the nation. his is a nation that uses a lot of energy.
Japan has a population of 127 million (1.9% of the global population), yet
it accounts for a little over 5% of global energy consumption on an annual
basis.
30
Despite aggregate energy consumption that exceeds the global aver-
age, installed wind power capacity represents only 0.9% of the global total.
In 2012, electricity consumption in Japan amounted to 859,700 GWh.
31
Assuming that Japan's wind power turbines operate at a capacity factor of
