Changes in Energy Policy in Post-Fukushima Era

The severe accident in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) in March 2011 marked a major change in energy policy of Japan. It encouraged introduction of renewable energy with concern about dependence on nuclear power. However, development of renewable energy is slowing down these years with emergence of negative aspects in and out of Japan. It is necessary for the government of Japan to accelerate diversification of energy. 

After the accident in FDNPS, all the reactors of nuclear power plants in Japan once stopped. Fourteen reactors resumed their operation as of 2025, but the ratio of nuclear power generation against all the sources of electricity in Japan reducedfrom 25.1 percent in 2010 to 8.5 percent in 2023. People in Japan got skeptical about nuclear power generation as a safe source for electricity they need.

 

Instead, renewable energy increased its share in power generation in post-Fukushima era. Its share swell from 9.4 percent in 2010 to 22.9 percent in 2023. Solar photovoltaic grew from 0.3 percent to 9.8 percent and wind power from 0.3 percent to 1.1 percent. But it is not a great development compared to other developed countries. Renewables, biofuels and wastecovered 65 percent of energy of Germany in 2024.

 

As time passes, people’s concern about nuclear energy has diminished. Business sectors demand the government more stable and powerful energy supply, as they became increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence or other technologies that consumes great amount of electricity. The 7th Strategic Energy Plan in 2025 describes that Japan will utilize nuclear power generation, calling it “decarbonized power source,” as much as possible.

 

Renewable energy faces some negative elements. With social and governmental support for solar energy, a lot of developers have been building major solar power generation site all around Japan. Some of them had plans with negative impact on natural resources. A developing plan close to Kushiroshitsugen National Park in Hokkaido faced broad criticisms. Mitsubishi Corporation retreated in 2025 from its development of offshore wind power project in Akita and Chiba, with a view of rising cost for it.

 

Volatility in international relations, represented by wars in Ukraine and Iran, affects Japan’s energy policy. Japan has not sufficiently cultivated alternative energy source to fossil fuels. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced release of Japan’s oil reserve, concerning steep rise of gasoline and oil price caused by United States‘ attack on Iran and Iran’s possible blockade in Strait of Hormuz.

 

To overcome vulnerability in energy, Japan needs to diversify its energy source. It has been depending its energy on large-scale, concentrated power generation occupied by major power companies. The government has been relying its energy policy on them. Having realized vulnerability of massive power generation, represented by nuclear power, the Japanese may need to develop small-sized power supply, including roof-top solar or land-based windmill to fulfill individual demand of power.

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