The stillness of a bitterly cold afternoon in rural Fukushima, Japan, is punctuated by the rhythmic swish of wind turbine blades. These 50-meter-long blades adjust to the slightest shifts in the dependable westerly winds, powering the largest onshore windfarm in Japan, the Abukuma windfarm. This scene unfolds against the backdrop of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, a site still in the costly process of decommissioning after its catastrophic meltdown nearly 15 years ago.
Japan’s government has unveiled a strategic energy plan aiming for net zero by 2050, a vision that controversially includes the “maximisation” of nuclear power. This shift marks a departure from previous efforts to reduce nuclear reliance following the Fukushima disaster. The plan projects nuclear energy to account for about 20% of Japan’s total energy output by 2040, with 30 reactors expected to be operational by then.
Transitioning Energy Sources
The post-Fukushima era saw Japan shutter dozens of reactors, leading to a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. In 2022, Japan was the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied fossil gas and the third-largest importer of coal. The new energy strategy envisions a significant increase in renewable energy, aiming for a 40-50% share by 2040, up from just under a third in 2023. Coal-fired power is set to decrease from 63% to 30-40%.
Fukushima itself is at the forefront of this renewable energy push. The prefecture, home to 1.7 million people, has set ambitious targets to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040, with a midterm goal of 70% by 2030. Takayuki Hirano of Fukushima Fukko Furyoku, a joint venture led by Sumitomo Corporation, emphasizes the local commitment to these goals, supported by subsidies for solar, wind, and other renewables.
“People have negative memories of nuclear power and Fukushima, and they’re still wrestling with that burden,” Hirano noted.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite progress in reducing carbon emissions by 4% to a record low in the year ending March 2024, Japan’s energy strategy faces criticism. At the recent COP30 summit, Japan was awarded the “Fossil of the Day” by the Climate Action Network for its slow decarbonization efforts. The network criticized Japan’s promotion of carbon capture and storage as inadequate solutions.
Japan’s environment minister, Hirotaka Ishihara, sparked further controversy by refusing to endorse a roadmap proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to transition away from fossil fuels. This stance placed Japan at odds with about 80 other countries at the summit.
Masayoshi Iyoda of 350.org remarked, “Ishihara has sent the wrong signal by refusing to support global efforts to accelerate a just transition from fossil energy to 100% renewables.”
Innovative Renewable Projects
Inland, the Tsuchiyu Onsen geothermal plant exemplifies innovative renewable energy initiatives. Operated by Genki Up Tsuchiyu, the plant harnesses subterranean steam to generate electricity and provide hot water for local hot spring resorts. This project not only supports the local economy but also contributes to Fukushima’s renewable energy goals.
The geothermal plant, with its steampunk-like array of pipes and gauges, generates enough electricity to power about 800 homes. Earnings from feed-in tariff sales support the ongoing recovery from the 2011 earthquake and fund new accommodations for tourists.
Looking Ahead
As Fukushima continues its journey toward renewable energy leadership, the prefecture is already seeing significant progress. Renewables now account for almost 60% of its power generation, a dramatic increase from 23% at the time of the 2011 disaster. The region’s efforts are a testament to its resilience and commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Japan’s energy strategy reflects a complex balancing act between nuclear power and renewables. As the country navigates this transition, the world watches closely, assessing the implications for global energy policies and environmental goals.
