Japan’s energy challenge: from sustainability to survivability

The document outlines a strategic shift for Japan's energy policy, moving from a focus on sustainability to 'survivability' in response to the Fukushima incident and global climate inaction. It proposes three key actions: creating a new best practice model for energy efficiency using 'smart' technology, expanding renewable energy deployment via a feed-in-tariff to foster industrial innovation and exports, and developing new energy transmission infrastructure, including potential regional connections in East Asia.

• The Fukushima incident served as a catalyst for energy change in Japan, demonstrating significant potential for electricity savings; for instance, the Kanto region achieved approximately 15% electricity savings during the summer of 2011.
• Japan needs to establish a new model for energy efficiency that replaces the uncomfortable behavioral changes seen after Fukushima with 'smart' technology to support long-term efficient lifestyles.
• To expand renewable energy and support new energy industries, Japan introduced a feed-in-tariff in July 2012 to encourage private investment and create opportunities to export clean energy technologies to emerging economies.
• Japan should develop new markets and infrastructure for energy transmission and distribution, including connecting its energy network to neighbors in East Asia to improve energy security and create business opportunities.

APA

Masuda, T. (2012). Japan’s energy challenge: from sustainability to survivability. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/japans-energy-challenge-from-sustainability-to-survivability/

Chicago

Masuda, Tatsuo. Japan’s energy challenge: from sustainability to survivability. World Economic Forum, 2012. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/japans-energy-challenge-from-sustainability-to-survivability/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Masuda |first1=Tatsuo |title=Japan’s energy challenge: from sustainability to survivability |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=23 April 2012 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/japans-energy-challenge-from-sustainability-to-survivability/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{masuda2012japans, author = {Masuda, Tatsuo}, title = {{Japan’s energy challenge: from sustainability to survivability}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2012}, month = apr, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/japans-energy-challenge-from-sustainability-to-survivability/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }