Daily News
Potential to Boost Renewables Share to 80% In Japan
A Japanese think tank has revealed in a new study that Japan could increase its share of electricity production from renewables to 80% by 2035, through expanding the use of storage batteries and enhancing regional power grid cooperation. In 2022, Japan had just 22% of its power generated through renewables.
The study noted that the potential energy transition is possible without a significant increase in electricity bills or cuts in industrial activities. It also suggests that Japan’s power consumption will remain stable despite the increase of activity in industries such as semiconductor production and data centre operations, thanks to the anticipated improvements in power usage efficiency.
The analysis from the think tank comes as the Japanese government is drawing up a new energy plan for the coming years that will likely include higher dependence on nuclear power to cope with a dramatic increase in energy demand. To achieve the predominant share in the market from renewables, power generation would have to increase from 150 million KW (kilowatts) to 500 million KW over the next decade. The improvement in infrastructure connecting regional power grids between the Tokyo area and Hokkaido would aid this transition.
The country’s storage battery capacity should also be brought up to 72 million KW from the current 1.8 million KW to store electricity from solar power generation. The remaining 20% of energy demand could be met by power generation using natural gas, which emits less greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels when burned, the think tank said.
The transition is already in progress, with a large wind project set to be live by 2028 and the recent launch of a $400 million hydrogen fund. The increase in renewable energy projects across the globe emphasises the demand for trained professionals within the industry. The Renewable Energy Institute offers a wide range of courses, from Wind Power to Hydrogen Energy, that will increase your knowledge in your chosen field and expand your skillset, equipping you with the tools you need to progress your career.
Sources:
https://www.evwind.es/2024/09/24/japan-can-raise-renewable-energy-share-to-80-by-2035/101171
https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b5byht8-japan-can-raise-renewable-energy-share-80-2035
https://www.renews.biz/95903/vestas-swoops-on-134mw-japanese-wind