Catharina Klein
Research expert covering Japan
Solar energy in Japan - statistics & facts
In recent years, Japan was one of the largest consumers of solar energy worldwide. Solar energy represents the largest energy-producing renewable energy source in the country. In fact, solar power stations had the highest number of renewable electric power plants on the archipelago. Japan is steadily expanding its share of renewables in electricity production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, be less dependent on fossil fuel imports, and decrease electricity costs.
One challenge of the mountainous island nation is the limited space for power stations on land. Therefore, Japan was one of the first countries to use floating solar panels. This new trend increased the attention of both domestic and foreign investors on solar energy and will likely support the expansion of the sector in the future.
These efforts are already showing their effects, as the greenhouse gas emission has indicated a downward trend in recent years. However, fossil fuels remain the largest energy sources in electricity production, and Japan has been repeatedly criticized for its continued reliance on coal-fired power generation.
Overall, investing in renewable energies such as solar power currently poses the best solution to the country’s challenges of fossil fuel import dependence, high electricity costs, and a substantial carbon footprint.
Expansion of solar energy in Japan
According to the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, Japan's new target for renewable energy for the fiscal year 2040 is a share of 40 to 50 percent. Solar energy is planned to achieve 23 to 29 percent of the energy generation by then. Therefore, the Japanese government has made investments in solar energy a priority, for example, by investing in ultra-thin solar panels. With the selling price of solar electricity continuously decreasing, the purchase volume of solar electricity continues to increase.One challenge of the mountainous island nation is the limited space for power stations on land. Therefore, Japan was one of the first countries to use floating solar panels. This new trend increased the attention of both domestic and foreign investors on solar energy and will likely support the expansion of the sector in the future.
Energy policy in Japan
Since fossil fuel combustion constitutes the main emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector produces most carbon dioxide emissions in Japan. To meet its climate goals as a member of the Paris Agreement, the Japanese government currently seeks to replace fossil fuels with low-carbon energy sources such as renewables and nuclear energy. The overall goal is for the country to become carbon-neutral by 2050.These efforts are already showing their effects, as the greenhouse gas emission has indicated a downward trend in recent years. However, fossil fuels remain the largest energy sources in electricity production, and Japan has been repeatedly criticized for its continued reliance on coal-fired power generation.
Overall, investing in renewable energies such as solar power currently poses the best solution to the country’s challenges of fossil fuel import dependence, high electricity costs, and a substantial carbon footprint.
