Japan's Energy Transition: Maximising Nuclear Power and Renewables Towards Net-Zero by 2050
Japan, the world's fifth-biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has seen emissions fall by 4% to a record low for the year ending March 2024. This reduction was aided by higher renewable energy use and the restarting of some nuclear plants, aligning with its target to cut emissions by 46% from 2013 levels by 2030.
Following the post-Fukushima reactor closures, Japan heavily relied on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal, becoming the world's second-largest LNG importer and third-largest coal importer by volume last year.
Japan’s energy plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The strategy includes increasing renewables to 40-50% of energy supply by 2040, up from just under a third in 2023, while reducing coal usage to 30-40%. Nuclear power is set to be maximised, providing about 20% of total energy by 2040, with approximately 14 reactors restarted and about 30 operating by then.
A notable example of renewable expansion is the Abukuma windfarm in Fukushima Prefecture. This project, consisting of 46 turbines and costing ¥67 billion, began full operation in April 2025 and stands as Japan's largest onshore wind project. Fukushima Prefecture aims for 100% renewable energy by 2040, with a midterm target of 70% by 2030; renewables already account for around 60% of the prefecture's power generation.
Locally integrated energy projects include the Abukuma windfarm supplying power to nearby users such as a mackerel aquaculture project and local town hall through feed-in premiums, exemplifying a local production-for-local-consumption approach.
Meanwhile, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant's decommissioning, ongoing about 15 years after the 2011 disaster, is costing around £26 billion ($35 billion). About 160,000 people were evacuated at the time, with some returning as radiation levels were deemed safe in certain areas.
At COP30, Japan faced criticism for its slow decarbonisation efforts and received the Fossil of the Day award. Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara was criticized for not supporting Brazilian President Lula da Silva's roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, amidst calls to accelerate a just transition towards cleaner energy.
