Professor Yukari Takamura delivered the energy security keynote, providing a comprehensive overview of Japan’s energy transition, its importance for the country’s future, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The presentation highlighted the interconnectedness of energy policy with economic and foreign policy considerations.

• The keynote emphasised the critical importance of energy transition for Japan, driven by climate change commitments, economic imperatives, and increasing pressure from the private sector.
• Japan’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and its 2030 climate target of 46-50% reduction below 2013 levels were outlined as key drivers of energy policy.
• Professor Takamura highlighted the growing influence of the business sector in pushing for more ambitious climate action, citing initiatives like the Japan Climate Initiative and Japan Climate Leaders Partnership.
• The economic rationale for energy transition was underscored, including the need to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports and improve Japan’s trade balance.
• The presentation detailed Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) policy, which integrates climate, energy, and industrial policies to drive economic growth through clean energy transition.
• Japan’s current energy mix was discussed, with renewable energy accounting for 21.7% of power generation in 2023 and ambitious targets set for 2030.
• Challenges in expanding renewable energy were addressed, including grid integration issues, social acceptance, and the need for more effective supporting policies.
• The keynote touched on Japan’s plans for hydrogen and ammonia in its future energy mix, including the recent Hydrogen Promotion Act and subsidy schemes.
• Professor Takamura emphasised the need for a clear plan to phase out unabated coal and fossil fuel power plants, noting the lack of a concrete strategy beyond 2030.
• The presentation concluded by highlighting the importance of carbon pricing mechanisms and the ongoing discussions about introducing a carbon levy and emissions trading scheme in Japan.