Transitions of Energy Systems and Technologies toward Achieving the Paris Agreement in Japan

Abstract

In order to achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement, it is important to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions drastically. Because in Japan most GHG emissions result from energy consumption (88.6% in 2015), de-carbonization of energy systems is crucial, and there are strong hopes for technological innovation in energy supply and demand to help the targets be reached. Japan has already undertaken various kinds of technological development and implementation in society via both the public and private sectors, and these activities have contributed to the reduction of energy consumption and GHG emissions in Japan. For example, the total energy consumption in the latter half of the 1990s and first half of the 2000s was around 550－560 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe), decreasing to 502 Mtoe in 2015 through comprehensive energy saving measures and actions to reduce GHGs. Even so, development of innovative technologies is still needed for further GHG emission reductions. In the past, technological measures focused on devices such as those involving hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, or batteries and renewables, but research and development (R&D) is now focused on systemized technologies. One example is energy monitoring systems in conjunction with energy management, and another is local energy networks with renewables and distributed energies such as gas cogeneration and biomass boilers. Low carbonization of energy systems is the key to both GHG emission reduction and achieving a global low-carbon society. Materialization of innovative technologies is also needed for building a low-carbon society, and Japan’s experience and expertise in technological R&D could be the first step in the right direction and will go a long way toward providing a foundation for impressive GHG emission reductions and establishment of a low carbon-society not only in Japan but also all over the world.