S2-EP 007 . Japan's Economic and Geopolitical Challenges on Energy Transition: A Conversation with Professor Jusen Asuka

Energy Current: In Search of Net Zero System

Japan's Green Transformation Plan is the latest national strategy in pursuit of energy transition and carbon neutrality by 2050. As a major economy with probably the highest energy efficiency standard and greatest dependency on fossil fuels import around the world, Japan faces a range of challenges. Professor Jusen Asuka from Tohoku University in Japan discusses how the new policies on offshore wind and solar PV may play a big part and why the next generational nuclear power technology could be a double-edged sword. His argument on Japan's cautious role in China-US contest in low carbon technology and investment resulted from a series of American legislation, particularly, climate policy embedded in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), suggests some relevant policy implications for Japan. Finally, his reading suggestion touches intergenerational justice, one of the most compelling issues on climate governance.

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