From July 2024 to June 2025, Japan's electricity consumption saw a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost two-thirds, or around 64%, of its electricity derived from fossil sources. Gas was the most used fossil source, accounting for nearly a third of total electricity consumption, followed closely by coal, which made up around 28%. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources contributed about 35% of the total electricity mix. Solar power provided a notable 11%, while nuclear energy contributed roughly 9%. Hydropower added another 9% to the mix, indicating Japan's continued reliance on traditional low-carbon resources. Other low-carbon sources like biofuels and wind comprised smaller portions of the total electricity generation, at 4% and 1% respectively. Despite these contributions, the overall picture reveals that fossil fuels still dominate Japan's electricity landscape.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Japan?
Japan's electricity consumption, based on the latest data from 2025, indicates a worrying trend of decline. With the latest figure standing at 7,833 kWh per person, Japan's per capita electricity consumption is noticeably lower than its historical peak of over 9,100 kWh per person in 2010. This reflects a reduction of over 1,300 kWh. In terms of low-carbon electricity, the latest generation was 2,713 kWh per person, also falling short of the previous peak of around 3,543 kWh seen in 1998, marking a decline of over 800 kWh. These declines in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation make it crucial for Japan to ramp up efforts to increase clean energy production, not only to meet demand but also to tackle environmental challenges like climate change.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Japan could look to expand its existing solar capabilities significantly. Additional investments in solar technologies could help tap into the country's potential for more sustainable energy. Moreover, Japan can learn from successful nuclear energy deployment in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for a significant majority of their electricity generation—up to 70% and 66%, respectively. Japan could also draw lessons from states like Iowa and Denmark, where wind power contributes more than 55% to their electricity supply. By following these examples and scaling up solar and nuclear infrastructure, Japan can make substantial strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future.
History
Historically, Japan's low-carbon electricity landscape has seen various shifts, particularly in its nuclear sector. During the late 1970s and through the 1980s, nuclear electricity generation experienced robust growth, with multiple years witnessing annual increases of 19 TWh or more. However, the early 2000s brought significant volatility and declines, such as the substantial decrease of over 55 TWh in 2003, reflecting ongoing challenges in this sector. Notably, the year 2011 marked a stark drop of 187 TWh in nuclear generation, representing a substantial setback. Despite these challenges, recent years, especially by 2023, saw a reinvigoration of nuclear output with an increase of about 26 TWh. These patterns underscore the importance of consistently investing in nuclear energy and addressing obstacles to ensure the sustained growth of low-carbon electricity in Japan.
