The January newsletter of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) emphasizes Japan's need to revise its energy mix and regulations supporting renewable energy deployment, and increased attention to energy conservation.
The newsletter further reports on the intensified competition in the global solar panel market, and upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings on energy intensity reduction and low-emission strategies.
January 2012: The January edition of the newsletter of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) reports on Japan’s 2012 energy challenges in terms of energy mix and conservation measures after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, the intensified competition in the global solar panel market, and the forthcoming meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
In his foreword, Masakazu Toyoda, IEEJ Chairman, analyses Japan’s 2012 energy challenges after Fukushima, emphasizing Japan’s need to revise its energy mix with a focus on: energy conservation; renewable energy; cleaner fossil fuels; and safe nuclear energy.
The newsletter further notes the increased attention in Japan to the energy demand side, mentioning measures that are considered for implementation, including: the assessment of electricity conservation measures at demand peaks; and energy conservation requirements for housing and other buildings. Indicating that Japan’s anticipated feed-in tariff system might become a controversial issue, the newsletter emphasizes the importance of reforming regulations and clarifying rules promoting the deployment of renewable energy. The newsletter also makes reference to the new International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) of the Group of Eight (G8), to which Japan will contribute.
The newsletter elaborates on the intensified competition in the global solar panel market, indicating stalled growth in the EU, growing global inventory and lower panel prices. Noting the failure of smaller renewable energy firms and the entering of large multinational corporations into the global solar panel industry, the newsletter remarks on the advisability of government support for renewable energy and the increased maturity of the solar panel market.
The newsletter also looks ahead to the 2012 APEC meetings on energy intensity reduction and low-emission strategies, including a conference of APEC energy ministers in June and an APEC economic leader’s meeting in September 2012.
IEEJ is an associate member of the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD), a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitated knowledge network on energy, development, and environment issues. [Publication: IEEJ Newsletter January 2012 No. 100]