As of 2024, Japan's electricity consumption landscape relies significantly on fossil fuels, with almost 69% of its electricity coming from fossil sources, predominantly gas and coal. These two major fossil contributors account for nearly equal parts of the fossil sector, with gas at roughly 34% and coal at about 32%. Despite this heavy reliance on fossil energy, Japan does have a notable portion of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources, which contribute around 32%. Of the clean energy sector, solar is the most significant, providing about 10% of the total electricity mix. Nuclear energy is also a crucial part of the low-carbon mix, delivering slightly over 8%. Furthermore, hydropower and biofuels contribute around 7.5% and 4.5%, respectively, while wind remains underutilized at approximately 1%.
Is Electricity Growing in Japan?
Electricity consumption per person in Japan is currently at 8256 kWh, which represents a decrease from the previous record of 9134 kWh per person set in 2010. This decline of 878 kWh per person signifies worrying stagnation in electricity use, particularly at a time when electrification of various sectors is crucial to reducing emissions. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has dropped from its record of 3543 kWh in 1998 to 2601 kWh in 2024, a reduction of 942 kWh. This decline underscores the importance of reinvigorating growth in clean energy due to its critical role in curbing climate change and reducing air pollution associated with fossil fuel extraction and use.
Suggestions
Japan can enhance its low-carbon electricity production by taking inspiration from regions that have successfully implemented solar and nuclear energy solutions. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for more than half of the electricity generation, illustrate the potential scalability and reliability of nuclear power. Additionally, embracing solar solutions, as seen in countries like Lebanon and states like Nevada, where solar power contributes over 25% of the electricity mix, could be instrumental in Japan's transition. By expanding its nuclear infrastructure and increasing solar capacity, Japan can significantly decrease its reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way toward a sustainable energy future.
History
The evolution of low-carbon electricity in Japan has seen impressive but sporadic growth in nuclear power, especially in the late 20th century and early 21st century. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Japan saw substantial annual increases in nuclear electricity generation, with increments exceeding 20 TWh in several years, reaffirming nuclear's potential as a reliable energy source. However, the early 2000s brought considerable setbacks, with significant declines like the 2003 drop of 55 TWh, and the massive reduction of 186.5 TWh in 2011. It is critical for Japan to overcome these challenges and rejuvenate its nuclear sector to complement its solar advancements, ensuring a robust and clean electricity system in the future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.