The energy security and transition panel featured presentations from Professor Yukari Takamura, Professor Toshi Arimura, Melanie Brock, and Rowan von Spreckelsen. The discussion focused on Japan’s energy transition strategies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and the implications for Australia-Japan energy relations.

• Professor Takamura outlined Japan’s energy transition goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 46-50% reduction in emissions by 2030, highlighting the challenges in meeting these targets.
• The panel discussed Japan’s GX policy, which integrates energy, climate, and industrial policies to drive economic growth through clean energy transition.
• The panel explored hydrogen’s potential in Japan’s energy future, with von Spreckelsen explaining production methods and costs. Australia, the US, and Middle Eastern countries were identified as potentially competitive suppliers, with Japan likely to pursue a diversified supply strategy.
• Professor Arimura provided a comprehensive overview of Japan’s evolving carbon pricing mechanisms, noting that a number of carbon pricing mechanisms already exist in Japan at the regional level and that a national emissions trading scheme (ETS) and carbon surcharge are set to be implemented.
• The discussion highlighted Japan’s plans to implement a mandatory ETS by 2026, covering more than 50% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, with auctions for the power sector starting in 2033.
• Melanie Brock emphasised the need for better communication and engagement between Australia and Japan in the energy sector, suggesting a business-led reset in discussions.
• The panel addressed the challenges faced by Japanese companies investing in Australia’s energy sector, including regulatory uncertainty and high operational costs. Discussions touched on the labour shortages in the energy transition sector, with suggestions for increased training and the empowerment of women in STEM fields.
• Panellists explored the potential for coordinated frameworks between Australia and Japan to facilitate large-scale investments in energy transition projects.
• The session concluded by highlighting the ongoing importance of the Australia-Japan energy relationship, despite changes in energy demand patterns, and the need for continued collaboration in emerging areas such as critical minerals and hydrogen.