[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power Revised Its Electricity Rates

Chugoku Electric Power Company (Chugoku EPCo), headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, announced on August 28, 2019, that it will revise the electricity rates for seven of its electricity plans, starting from April 1, 2020. Revisions are planned for the “Time-of-Use Plan,” “Family Time Plan,” “Peak Shift Plan” and “Midnight Power Plan,” among others.

 Since 1966, Chugoku EPCo has set its nighttime electricity rates at affordable prices to encourage nighttime electricity consumption. However, in recent years, Chugoku EPCo has seen a change in customers’ electricity usage patterns, leading to increasing nighttime electricity demands along with reduced daytime demand. The change reflects the expansion of solar power generation and the progress of energy efficiency. As a result, it has become more costly to generate electricity for nighttime use. In response, Chugoku EPCo will raise the nighttime electricity rate by 2.99 yen per 1kWh, while lowering the daytime rate[1].

[1] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2019/12018.html

[Japan] Equipment Damage and Power Losses Caused by Typhoon #15 (“Faxai”) within TEPCO Power Grid’s Service Area

On September 9, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), headquartered in Tokyo, announced the status of equipment damage and power losses within its service area that were caused by Typhoon #15.

 The Typhoon #15 caused power losses in approximately 934,900 households in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, mostly in Chiba, Kanagawa, and Ibaraki Prefectures. As of 11:30 AM of September 9, approximately 858,800 homes within the TEPCO Power Grid service area were without power. In addition, two steel towers that were close to Kimitsu City in Chiba Prefecture had collapsed. [1] TEPCO has received support for the repair work from Tohoku Electric Power (Headquarters: Miyagi Prefecture), Hokuriku Power Electric (Headquarters: Toyama Prefecture) and Chubu Electric Power (Headquarters: Aichi Prefecture)*.

 As of September 18, repair work was still continuing in some towns and cities in Chiba Prefecture. TEPCO is assisting the local governments’ repair work by providing them with equipment, including portable generators, rechargers, mobile phone rechargers, LED lamps, electric vehicles, and power supply equipment.[2],[3]

 *According to JEPIC-USA, as of September 18, 2019, nine Japanese utility companies from across Japan, including Hokkaido Electric Power Company (Headquarters: Hokkaido) and Okinawa Electric Power Company (Headquarters: Okinawa Prefecture), dispatched their repair workers and vehicle-mounted electricity generators to the TEPCO Power Grid service area.

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1517227_8709.html

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/news/2019/1517631_8967.html

[3] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1517587_8709.html

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Chubu Electric Power Will Jointly Establish a Next-generation Mobility Company

On August 27, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO HD) and Chubu Electric Power reached an agreement to jointly establish e-Mobility Power co., Inc., a next-generation mobility company. e-Mobility Power is expected to be officially launched on October 1, 2019. The total investment in e-Mobility Power is about 5 billion yen, 60% of the capital from TEPCO HD and 40% from Chubu Electric Power.

 e-Mobility Power will leverage TEPCO HD and Chubu Electric Power’s knowledge and expertise in the construction, maintenance, and operation of energy infrastructure, as well as their expertise regarding quick charging methods for electric vehicles (EV), such as the CHAdeMO[1] charging method, which was developed in collaboration with automakers. The company aims to deliver services for consumers so that “anyone can charge [their] EV at a reasonable price, anytime, anywhere”.[2]

[1] https://www.chademo.com/about-us/what-is-chademo/

[2] http://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3271660_21432.html

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Holdings, Chubu Electric Power, Hitachi and Toshiba Agree to Develop Boiling Water Reactors

On August 28, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO HD), Chubu Electric Power, Hitachi and Toshiba Corporation signed a basic agreement to explore a potential collaboration to develop a business framework for nuclear energy business for boiling water reactors (BWR).

 The four companies hope to improve the safety and economic viability of BWR nuclear power plants. They have exchanged opinions and information on nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, and on improving their manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

 The companies seek to strengthen cooperation on developing safe and affordable BWR operations, and to bolster their capabilities to construct and operate nuclear power plants. Through this collaboration, TEPCO HD and Chubu Electric Power will share their knowledge about nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, and Hitachi and Toshiba will provide their knowledge and experience in manufacturing and engineering processes. [1],[2]

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1516677_8709.html

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/pdf3/190828j0101.pdf

[Japan] The Japan Atomic Energy Commission Published its White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2018

The Japan Atomic Energy Committee (JAEC) published its White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2018 on September 2, 2019. The White Paper covers the decommissioning and waste management of nuclear power plants. There are currently 24 reactors that are undergoing decommissioning in Japan. In addition, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has announced its plans to decommission 43 nuclear research facilities.

 The White Paper discusses the current status of decommissioning and the lessons learned from other countries’ practices on decommissioning and waste management. The paper introduces decommissioning case studies from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and highlights the importance of designing efficient work plans, engagement with stakeholders and regulatory authorities, waste management and technology development, and building trust with the local community.

 The White Paper also discusses the progress of the recovery efforts in Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, nuclear energy’s importance for energy security and climate change, Japan’s role in promoting nuclear safety and security within the international community, and the need to build a nuclear platform through promoting innovation and developing a skilled labor force.

 Since the establishment of JAEC in 1956, the White Paper on Nuclear Energy has been published annually until 2010, the year before the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The publishing of the White Paper was resumed in 2017 in order to fulfill JAEC’s responsibility to inform the Japanese people about Japan’s nuclear energy usage.[1]

[1] http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/hakusho/hakusho2019/zentai.pdf

[Japan] Hokkaido Electric Power Company and Green Power Investment Reach an Agreement to Collaborate on Developing Offshore Wind Power Systems

On August 8, 2019, Hokkaido Electric Power Company (hereafter “Hokkaido EPCO”)  and Green Power Investment (GPI), a wind power developer, announced that they reached an agreement to jointly work on offshore wind power systems located in Ishikari Bay in Hokkaido. Hokkaido EPCO will work with GPI in order to expand its wind power business in the region.  GPI has been developing a solar power plant in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It is also building a 121,600 kW-capacity Wind Farm in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, expected to be completed in 2020.[1]

 Hokkaido EPCO and GPI will jointly develop two projects in Ishikari City, including the Ishikari Bay New Port Wind Power Plant Installation Project and the Offshore Wind Power Generation Project in Ishikari Bay. Based on the agreement, GPI will be responsible for development and construction of the offshore wind power systems, and Hokkaido EPCO will provide technical support and regional response support.[2]

 These projects were supported by the law on promotion of use of territorial waters for offshore renewable energy generation facilities. The law, which took effect in April 2019, was introduced to promote deployment of offshore wind power generation in Japan. The government wants to promote offshore wind and other kinds of renewable energy generation in order to enhance national energy security and reduce environmental impact.

[1] http://greenpower.co.jp/businessoverview/

[2] https://www.hepco.co.jp/info/2019/1243171_1803.html

[Japan] Miyagi Prefecture and Tohoku Electric Power Company Jointly Conduct a Pilot Project for a Virtual Power Interchange System and Virtual Power Plants

On August 8, 2019, Miyagi Prefecture announced that it has partnered with Tohoku Electric Power Company to conduct a pilot project for a virtual power interchange system and virtual power plants (VPP). The project aims to advance the efficiency of renewable energy by using digital technology.

 The project will begin operation soon and run until March 2021. It will test VPP and P2P (peer-to-peer) energy sharing using solar power generation facilities and storage batteries installed in 7 regional joint government offices in Miyagi Prefecture. The electricity produced by solar power and electricity demand in each building will be measured via blockchain technology. The project will also examine how to transfer surplus electricity from one building to another, verifying the effect of P2P energy sharing. Additionally, a storage battery installed in the Kesennuma regional joint government office will be remotely monitored and optimally controlled by a VPP to extend the life of the storage battery and verify its capability to balance power supply and demand.[1]

[1] http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/normal/1202078_1049.html

[Japan] 10 Japanese Power Utility Companies Launch a One-Stop Shop for Electric Pole Location Information Data

On August 8, 2019, 10 Japanese power utility companies collaboratively launched a one-stop shop for selling electric pole location information data to their customers. The utility group includes:

 ·         Hokkaido Electric Power Company

·         Tohoku Electric Power Company

·         TEPCO Town Planning Company, a subsidiary of TEPCO Power Grid

·         Hokuden Information System Service Company, a subsidiary of Hokuriku Electric Power Company

·         Kansai Electric Power Company

·         Chubu Electric Power Company

·         Chugoku Electric Power Company

·         Shikoku Electric Power Company

·         Kyushu Electric Power Company

·         Okinawa Electric Power Company

Through the one-stop shop, buyers will be able to easily purchase electric pole location information from 10 utilities, rather than separately asking each individual company for the data as before.

 In Japan, electric poles are installed at intervals of about 30m to 50m, and each power utility assigns a unique identification number to each electric pole. The electric pole data enables users to easily identify unfamiliar locations in areas without conspicuous objects or landmarks. The data can also be used by telecommunication carriers to assist in capital investment planning and existing equipment location management.[1]

[1] http://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3271596_21432.html

[Japan] Osaka Gas Acquires Sabine Oil & Gas in Texas

Osaka Gas announced on July 29, 2019, that it had reached an agreement with Sabine Oil & Gas Holdings to acquire 100% of the shares of Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation, a subsidiary of Sabine Oil & Gas Holdings that is located in Eastern Texas. The transaction is still waiting for the approval of the government permits. Upon the successful completion of the transaction, Osaka Gas will be the first Japanese company to purchase a U.S.-based shale gas developer.  

Sabine Oil & Gas has a total of 175,000 net acres, with about 1,200 wells in East Texas, and an average annual LNG production of 1.7 million tons. In July 2018, Osaka Gas acquired 35% of the working interest of the gas field located on the eastern side, about half of the area owned by Sabine Oil & Gas. Since then, the wells on the eastern side have been producing more shale gas than initially expected. The acquisition will allow Osaka Gas to possess the entire gas field and to expand its upstream business in the U.S. Osaka Gas has previously invested in Freeport’s LNG liquefaction project and IPP projects. [1]

[1] https://www.osakagas.co.jp/company/press/pr_2019/1281330_40360.html

[Japan] TEPCO Power Grid Partnership with NExT-e Solutions to Study Battery Storage Lifecycle Management

On July 17, 2019, TEPCO Power Grid announced a partnership with NExT-e Solutions, a Japanese energy battery management system company,[1] to study battery storage lifecycle management. Battery storage, such as the lithium-ion batteries used in vehicles, can be re-used to adjust the electricity supply and demand, and to balance frequency fluctuations. Currently, it is difficult to evaluate the battery storage’s performance after the first use, and there are not yet any methods to better maximize the use of battery storage.

 In this study, TEPCO Power Grid aims to build a battery storage lifecycle management platform to maximize the value of used battery storage and promote the re-use of battery storage. TEPCO Power Grid will leverage its knowledge of electricity supply and demand and the operation of battery storage as a part of the study. NExT-e Solutions will be responsible for the developing battery storage control technology and managing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect, manage, and analyze the battery storage data.[2] 

[1] https://www.nextes.jp/service/?id=naiyo

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/pg/company/press-information/press/2019/1515883_8614.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Acquires Shares of Electricity North West to Join Electricity Distribution Services in the United Kingdom

On July 30, 2019, Kansai Electric Power announced that it would acquire 17.67% of the total shares of Electricity North West Limited, an electricity distribution network operator in the United Kingdom.[1] It will be the first time for Kansai to participate in the electricity distribution network in Europe. Kansai Electric Power will be the first Japanese power utility company to invest in a large-scale electricity distribution network company that is currently in operation overseas.

The United Kingdom is expected to expand distributed energy resource and shift its primary source of heating from gas to electricity, as part of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s electricity distribution network is therefore required to be upgraded. Electricity North West Limited provides electricity to about 5 million customers in the Manchester to Cumbria area through a 57,000km distribution network. Kansai Electric Power will work with Electricity North West Limited to upgrade and maintain the local electricity distribution networks, while exploring for more business opportunities in the United Kingdom.[2]

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/pdf/0730_1j_01.pdf

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/0730_1j.html

[Japan] J-Power USA Development has ordered two M501 J-series air-cooled power turbines for the Jackson Generation Project in Illinois

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) announced on July 1, 2019, that J-Power USA Development (J-Power), an international power generating company[1], has ordered two of Mitsubishi’s M501 J-series air-cooled (M501JAC) power turbines. The turbines will be used at the 1,298 MW Jackson Generation Project, a Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Power Plant (GTCC) that will be built in Elwood, Illinois. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in April 2022. The electricity generated by the facility will be supplied through PJM, an energy market in the eastern U.S.

The Jackson Generation Project is the world’s first project to introduce a JAC-type gas turbine with air cooling for the combustor. The gas turbine will be operated at a turbine inlet temperature of 1,600°C, aiming to improve the plant’s efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s power generation can reach 64% efficiency, and it is anticipated to be 99.5% reliable. The project will also adopt Mitsubishi’s MHPS-TOMONI digital solutions platform to optimize power plant operations.[2]

[1] https://jpowerusa.com/about_japan/

[2] https://www.mhps.com/jp/news/20190708.html?_ga=2.69733648.1828284031.1563074247-236393945.1554096284

[Japan] Osaka Gas Singapore and Energy Pro Established OE Solar in Thailand

Osaka Gas Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas, announced on July 3, 2019, that it and Energy Pro Corporation, a solar power company in Thailand, had agreed to jointly establish OE Solar in Thailand. OE Solar will supply the electricity generated from solar energy to commercial and industrial customers in Thailand. OE Solar will install photovoltaic facilities on building roofs or grounds surfaces owned by its customers to produce electricity for a 15-to-20-year supply.

Daigas Group, which owns Osaka Gas, has expressed its intention to explore overseas energy business opportunities in “Going Forward Beyond Borders 2030”, its long-term management vision and medium-term plan. Daigas Group is targeting the Southeast Asian market and intends to increase its investment in the region. In accordance with Daigas Group’s goal to secure at least 1 GW of renewable energy by about 2030, the establishment of OE Solar will be Osaka Gas’s first involvement in a renewable energy generation project in Southeast Asia.

Thailand expects in its Power Development Plan 2018 that renewable energy will account for 20% (excluding hydropower imports) of all power sources in the nation in 2037. This is why renewable energy is attracting increasing attention in Thailand.[1]

[Japan] Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy Held Meeting to Discuss Japan’s Energy Strategy

On July 1, 2019, Japan’s Strategic Policy Committee of Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy held its first meeting in six months to exchange views on recent energy trends and to consider the progress of policies for energy conversion and decarbonization in Japan. The meeting was held after the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth, which was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on June 15 and 16.[1],[2]

During the meeting, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy briefed the Strategic Policy Committee on the agreement that was concluded during the G20 Ministerial Meeting on the importance of energy conversion, and the concept of a virtuous cycle for the environment and growth. The Agency also reported on recent trends and changes in energy security issues, including the energy supply and demand, geopolitical risk, environmental awareness, energy technology, and Japan’s position on energy policy.  

After the briefing, the Strategic Policy Committee members gave their opinions on various issues. Given the rising tensions in the Middle East, the committee expressed the need to develop alternative plans to secure Japan’s crude oil supply without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, since currently about 80% of Japan’s crude oil supply transits through the area. Regarding the use of nuclear power, the committee raised its concerns about the lack of a clear strategy to promote nuclear power, despite the fact that the Japanese government has set a goal to expand nuclear energy from 20% to 22% of the country's energy mix by 2030. The committee also discussed the importance of technology innovation, such as IoT and digitalization, and emphasized that the government needs to consider how to promote innovation, solicit private investment, and utilize data, particularly for energy management and integration with other fields, such as the electrification of the transportation sector. [3]

[1] https://www.jaif.or.jp/190701-1

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190618008/20190618008.html

[3] https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/committee/council/basic_policy_subcommittee/029/pdf/029_006.pdf

[Japan] Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Established a New Company in the Philippines to Expand its Business Opportunities

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) announced on June 24, 2019, that it had established “MHPS (Philippines) Plant Services Corporation (MHPS-PSC)” in the Philippines. Since MHPS already had a local boiler manufacturing factory in the Philippines, the launch of the MHPS-PSC aims to expand the company’s local business opportunities by providing services for thermal power plants.

MHPS has a lot of past experience with receiving orders and supplying equipment for thermal and geothermal generation facilities in the Philippines. There has been increasing local demand for the modernization of power plants and the associated efficiency improvements, due to the increased electricity demand as a result of economic growth. Accordingly, the MHPS established the MHPS-PSC in order to secure future opportunities to expand its business operations.

MHPS-PSC’s local parent company, MHPS-PLH, set up a head office and a boiler factory in Batangas City in southern Luzon, and the new head office of MHPS-PSC was established at a MHPS-PLH’s property. The MHPS-PSC began operating with about 50 employees, exploring business opportunities throughout the entire nation. Meanwhile, MHPS-PLH will assist MHPS-PSC by providing manufacturing and maintenance services from its own boiler factory. The two companies will work together on increasing their market share in Southeast Asia, taking fully advantages of synergistic effects.

[Japan] Chubu Electric Power, Keio University, and Hitachi Validated a Method to Detect Cyberattacks by Analyzing Darknet Communications

On June 18, 2019, Chubu Electric Power, Keio University, and Hitachi announced that they have validated a method to detect the evidence of difficult-to-identify cyberattacks by analyzing Darknet communications.[1] These efforts will contribute to preventing the potential damage caused by cyberattacks.

While digitalization has enhanced convenience in everyday life, it also increases the risks of cyberattacks. It is urgent for society to address cyber security challenges and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure. Accordingly, Keio University, Chubu Electric Power, and Hitachi have been studying Darknet communications since April 2017. After analyzing a vast number of Darknet communications, approximately 20 million cases per day, the study confirmed that the sign of cyberattacks could be identified by tracking and using correlation analysis on the communications made by multiple organizations.

[1] The darknet communications are online hidden communications that are designed specifically for anonymity.

[Japan] Japan, the EU and the United States Announced a Joint Statement on Cooperation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

On June 15, 2019, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (EC, ENER) and the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) announced a joint statement on future cooperation on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, promising to enhance the mutual cooperation among the three counties/regions. Japan, the EU, and the U.S. have been contributing to various efforts to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for more than 30 years, and are global leaders in this field.

While the three governmental organizations have already been working with other countries through various international collaborations and partnerships, they decided that this new collaboration will advance the research on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. They will pursue how to effectively develop and implement a cooperation framework, based on their energy consensus on hydrogen technology. The framework would possibly be created through a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in preparation for the 2nd Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be held on September 25, 2019.

The proposed MOC would promote the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, focusing on specific aspects under the “Tokyo Statement”, which was released at the Second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting held on October 23, 2018. These include promoting technical cooperation and harmonizing regulations, codes, and standards; facilitating international joint research and development on hydrogen, sharing information on hydrogen safety and the supply chain; investigating and studying hydrogen’s potential for reducing CO2 emissions and other emissions; and supporting communication, education, and outreach.

[Japan] Hokkaido Electric Power has Partnered with INDETAIL To Conduct Blockchain Electric Vehicle Platform Research

Hokkaido Electric Power and a Japanese blockchain company, INDETAIL[1], announced on June 6, 2019, that they have jointly conducted research on the construction of electric vehicle (EV) platforms.

With the widespread use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EVs), the research project aims to facilitate the development of a platform for the management of EV charging stations by utilizing blockchain technology and Internet of Things (IoT). These advanced technologies will provide EV charging station owners and users with value-added services to improve their convenience. Through the internet, the owners will be able to perform automatic payment procedures, check the charging status of each EV charging station, and set up flexible pricing; while users can check the location/availability of the EV stations and make reservations for EV charging stations through their smartphones.

In 2019, the project will design and simulate the system for the platform. The demonstration project will be carried out after 2020. Hokkaido Electric Power will analyze the current status of EV stations in Hokkaido and will identify the requirements for building an EV platform. Meanwhile, INDETAIL will provide consulting on the use of blockchain technology. Hokkaido Electric Power and INDETAIL plan to jointly file a patent application in June 2019.[2]

[1] https://www.indetail.co.jp/company/

[2] https://www.hepco.co.jp/info/2019/1240521_1803.html

[Japan] J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power Would Begin Examining the Potential for Carbon Recycling Technology through an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration Project

On June 5, 2019, J-Power[1], a Japanese power producer, and Chugoku Electric Power announced that they would begin examining the potential for carbon recycling technology through an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC) Demonstration Project conducted by Osaki CoolGen[2]. Osaki CoolGen was established by J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power, which aims to develop the next-generation clean coal technologies. It is also supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Based on the Paris Agreement, the Japanese government has been seeking to advance carbon recycling technology that uses CO2 as a resource, as a part of CO2 Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. Osaki CoolGen’s IGFC Demonstration Project, as part of Japan’s efforts to contribute to CO2 emission reduction, plans to carry out a test of CO2 capture technology from this coming December to FY 2020. Based on the results, J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power will consider demonstrating the carbon recycling technology that can be deployed for a wide variety of purposes by using CO2 captured from coal-fired power plants. The project will also research how to liquefy and transport the collected CO2 to targeted facilities as well as how to utilize it in various applications, including the acceleration of biofuel production from microalgae, production of concrete materials containing CO2, etc.[3]

[1] http://www.jpower.co.jp/english/company_info/operations_in_japan/

[2] https://www.osaki-coolgen.jp/

[3] https://b2b-ch.infomart.co.jp/news/detail.page?IMNEWS1=1490873

[Japan] The Japanese Cabinet Approved the FY 2018 Annual Report on Energy (Japan’s Energy White Paper 2019)

On June 7, 2019, the Japanese Cabinet approved the Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report on Energy, known as “Japan’s Energy White Paper 2019”, created by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In accordance with Article 11 of the Basic Act on Energy Policy (Act No. 71 of 2002), ANRE publishes the Japan’s Energy White Paper each year and submits it to the National Diet. The White Paper highlights the current energy trends in Japan and provides a general overview of major efforts/activities that were implemented in the previous fiscal year.

The 2019 White Paper covers the current progress of reconstruction in Fukushima Prefecture; the implementation of global warming countermeasures based on the Paris Agreement; and recently implemented measures to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructures. For the reconstruction efforts in Fukushima Prefecture, the Government of Japan has been tackling various challenges, including promoting the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework[1], [2], rebuilding the reputation of local agricultural and fishery products, controlling contaminated water, and making decommissioning progress, such as removing fuel from Unit 3 of the Fukushima nuclear power plant.[3]

The White Paper also compares the current progress and situation of Japan’s CO2 emission reduction efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, with other major countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Germany. It also analyzes the per capita CO2 emissions in OECD countries, as well as their renewable energy ratio and demand scale, with current activities to increase renewable energy sources deployment.[4] The White Paper also provides a brief overview of the recovery efforts for major disasters that occurred in 2018, including Typhoon #24 and the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake.[5], [6]

[1] After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear disaster, the Government of Japan developed and adopted the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework in order to support the community to rebuild the region. The Framework aims to revitalize industry in the Hama-Dori area in Fukushima Prefecture.

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/01/20190123004/20190123004.html

[3] p. 5. https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/en/category/whitepaper/pdf/2019_outline.pdf

[4] p. 9. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190606001-2.pdf

[5] p. 15. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190606001-2.pdf

[6] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190607001.html