Japan NRG

🆕 The latest issue of Japan NRG Weekly is out. Please enjoy reading. 📩 If you want full access then please subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly report by contacting us at: info@japan-nrg.com Below is a brief overview. In this issue we share views on energy from new leaders following the recent Cabinet reshuffle. These are the top energy and electricity news in the 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟕 edition: ▶︎ POLITICS / ENERGY POLICY : New PM vows to accelerate decarbonization; MoE minster to focus on post-Fukushima revitalization, calls for lifestyle reforms ▶︎ POWER SUPPLY : Japan reviews power supply measures ahead of winter to avoid shortages ▶︎ RENEWABLES : Toyota Tsusho to merge subsidiaries Eurus Energy and Terras Energy Our latest 𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺: ◆ NUCLEAR POWER : In an effort to find a temporary solution for Japan’s growing volume of spent nuclear fuel, some utilities plan to build dry storage on their power plant premises. This stop-gap measure would run until the spent fuel could be sent to an intermediate storage, and from there, to a reprocessing plant if one is ever built. The situation is dire, and a solution must be implemented in the next five years. If delayed, then the promise of nuclear energy’s benefits will be in doubt. ◆ WIND POWER : As Japan seeks to expand wind power generation, the demand for skilled and certified workers to operate and maintain those facilities is growing. However, students in technical programs are concerned that the current curricula hinders acquiring skills necessary to work at wind farms. Practical training has yet to become a fixture of university programs. Thus, to meet this demand, private training centers are opening that offer professional safety and technical courses. Want more details? Subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly reports. Info via info@japan-nrg.com OR, sign up for our free Japan NRG Lite newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #energy #japan #decarbonization #politics #japannrg

𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 : As Japan seeks to expand wind power generation both offshore and onshore, the demand for skilled and certified workers capable of operating and maintaining those facilities is growing rapidly. To meet this demand, training centers are opening that offer professional safety and technical courses for engineers and other skilled workers. Against the backdrop of increasing demand for wind power, the Global Wind Energy Council estimates that worldwide in the next five years more than 574,000 technicians will have to be hired, with almost 43% as new talent to the industry. In Japan, young engineers see the wind power sector as an attractive career opportunity, but students in technical programs are concerned that the current university curricula hinder acquiring skills necessary for employment at wind farms. Practical training has yet to become a fixture of university programs. In a first, last week the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA), the industry’s most influential organization, published guidelines aimed at standardizing training for technicians. The JWPA expects this will clarify requirements for seeking talent, especially helping to attract young professionals from other industries. In the meantime, the private sector is picking up the slack. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gwy2iFU6 #japan #energy #windpower #renewables #japannrg

𝐍𝐔𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 : In an effort to find a temporary solution for Japan’s growing volume of spent nuclear fuel, some utilities plan to build dry storage on their power plant premises. This stop-gap measure would run until a time when the spent fuel could be sent to an intermediate storage, and then from there, ideally, sent to a reprocessing plant if one is ever built in the country. For decades, Japan’s nuclear industry has pursued a vision of a ‘closed cycle’, where nuclear fuel would be recycled and reused in a nearly continuous process. Yet, such plans are far from materializing. Japan’s planned nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in the village of Rokkasho is the central point of this strategy, but it has faced 27 construction delays and it’s still not clear if it will ever be built. In the past year, efforts by nuclear power operators suggest that while they still believe in the validity of the closed cycle concept, they’re preparing for a sort of “Plan B” that involves storing spent nuclear fuel temporarily – that is, for several decades – without relying on the completion of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant. This Plan B is led by KEPCO, the utility with the most nuclear power plants currently online. To maintain public trust in both itself and the entire nuclear sector, KEPCO is pursuing the dry cask option, especially since it can no longer delay removing spent fuel from on-site storage pools. The situation is dire, and a solution must be implemented in the next five years, say industry insiders. The government has declared nuclear power to be essential to Japan’s energy independence and as a source of carbon-free energy. If the industry’s Plan A (closed fuel cycle and Rokkasho) fails and Plan B (dry casks) is delayed, then the promise of the benefits of nuclear energy for Japan in the coming decade will be in doubt. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/get9KTRp #japan #energy #nuclearpower #fuelprocessing #japannrg

𝐍𝐔𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 : The future and long-term success of Japan’s nuclear power industry hinges not only on developing cutting edge, next-generation technology, but also on events taking place in a small fishing village in northeast Japan. Construction of the Rokkasho nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture on the Pacific Ocean coast is central to Japan’s nuclear fuel cycle policy. If construction is ever completed it will be the nation’s main facility processing nuclear waste disposal. Work on the facility was launched in 1993 and it should have been completed in 1997. Yet, last month the project faced its 27th construction delay, and the operator, Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd, said the plant’s completion will be postponed to 2026. Another two and a half years are needed to address issues related to Nuclear Regulation Authority regulatory reviews. For decades, nuclear power energy was a strategic priority in Japan. The country’s first nuclear power plant launched in 1966, and by March 2011, nuclear power accounted for about 30% of Japan’s electricity production, with plans to boost that to 40%. The Fukushima disaster, of course, changed all that. For ten or so years since, the sector languished but power shortages and a desire to add cheaper, CO2-free generation to the grid has brought nuclear back into public favor. Whether it can stay there will depend on what happens when nuclear fuel is spent. Unlike coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants, nuclear power plants face the disposal and long-term storage of their fuel – which becomes nuclear waste. Japan is still unable to sufficiently resolve this issue, and until a solution is found that satisfies all stakeholders. 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 takes a closer look at the challenges and what solutions are possible for the disposal, storage and processing of spent nuclear fuel. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/g-BMsHm8 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gZBvweBk #japan #energy #nuclearpower #fuelprocessing #japannrg

𝐋𝐍𝐆 : After a tumultuous five years marked by calls to bury the natural gas industry amid efforts to decarbonize the sector, along with wild price volatility that saw historic lows in 2020, record highs in 2022 and a plunge again this year, corporate leaders now see the potential for long-term prosperity. This new confidence is driven by a forecasted rise in global energy demand ignited by the rapid expansion of energy-hungry data centers and AI technologies. The next five years will see a natural gas supply boom that should keep prices affordable for developing countries, thereby opening new markets that hitherto relied on cheaper coal power. What a difference a year makes. In November 2023, the United Nations’ COP28 climate summit loudly announced what activists called the “beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.” However, the natural gas industry’s buoyant future can easily be discerned in the more than 1,000 orders to build LNG maritime transport vessels. The recent Gastech conference in Houston, held from September 17-20, radiated this optimism. Industry leaders reaffirmed the role of natural gas in the global energy mix, with a clear focus on expanding market share, particularly at coal’s expense. However, the sector is not resistant to change. Many gas companies are exploring hydrogen and other alternative energy options to lower their carbon footprint. All these developments will have a significant impact on Japan, the world’s second LNG buyer after China, and a nation that still relies on burning gas for over a third of its electricity. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gpHtJrbY #japan  #energy #naturalgas #LNG #Gastech #japannrg

🆕 The latest issue of Japan NRG Weekly is out now. Please have a look and enjoy reading! 📩 If you want full access then please subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly report by contacting us at: info@japan-nrg.com Below is a brief overview. These are the top energy and electricity news in the 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟎 edition: ▶︎ POLITICS / ENERGY POLICY : Ishiba Shigeru, lone anti-nuclear voice, wins LDP leadership race, set to become next Prime Minister ▶︎ ENERGY POLICY : Japan-U.S. energy roundtable calls for coordinated clean energy action to provide more decarbonize power volumes ▶︎ WIND POWER : ENEOS Renewable Energy to join floating offshore wind in Norway, takes 20% stake in GoliatVIND Our latest 𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺: ◆ NATURAL GAS : After a tumultuous five years marked by calls to bury the natural gas industry amid efforts to decarbonize, along with wild price volatility, corporate leaders now believe in long-term prosperity owing to a forecasted rise in global energy demand ignited by the expansion of energy-hungry data centers and AI technologies. Leading gas companies say the next five years will see a supply boom that should keep prices affordable, opening new markets that hitherto relied on cheaper coal power. This trend will impact Japan, which still relies on burning gas for over a third of its electricity. ◆ NUCLEAR POWER : Nuclear power plants face the disposal and long-term storage of their fuel, becoming nuclear waste. Construction of the Rokkasho nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori Pref on the Pacific coast is central to Japan's nuclear fuel cycle policy. If completed it will be the nation’s main facility processing nuclear waste disposal. Yet, last month the project faced its 27th construction delay in nearly three decades, and completion is now postponed to 2026. Japan is still unable to sufficiently resolve this issue, and a solution is needed that satisfies a myriad of stakeholders. Want more details? Subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly reports. Info via info@japan-nrg.com OR, sign up for our free Japan NRG Lite newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #energy #japan #politics #decarbonization #japannrg

𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒 / 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐒: The withdrawal of METI Minister Saito Ken from the upcoming LDP leadership race, has added to the spotlight on Koizumi Shinjiro especially after Saito threw his support behind the ruling party’s youngest candidate at 43. “The most important thing in this presidential election is reformation,” Saito said Tuesday. “I rallied to Koizumi's camp because I thought there was no better candidate.” He was alluding to the 2023-2024 scandal involving the misuse of campaign funds by LDP members. It emerged that 85 members had failed to declare funds in their income – Koizumi wasn’t among them. Following Saito’s backing of Koizumi, several lawmakers who had initially declared support for the current METI minister’s bid then joined him in transferring their allegiance to Koizumi. Among them are former Justice Minister Furukawa Yoshihisa and Kihara Seiji, acting LDP secretary general and the closest aide to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.    Saito was elected to the Diet for the first time in 2009, the same year as Koizumi. Saito previously served as Justice Minister and as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He was appointed METI Minister in December 2023. So what views on energy does Saito bring to Koizumi’s camp? In May 2024, at a METI meeting on national energy policy, Saito voiced concern for Japan’s ability to secure adequate and stable supplies of electricity from decarbonized power sources to meet the rise of energy demand from AI, more data centers and digitalization-linked developments. “As the world moves into the uncharted territory of net-zero energy, with high uncertainty in terms of demand and technology, it will be extremely difficult to make the transition to decarbonized energy,” Saito said. “I have a strong sense of urgency that Japan is now at the most difficult point in its energy policy in the postwar era.” 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠’ 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝐷𝑃 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝟤𝟩, 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒* 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘’𝑠 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑑𝑎𝑦. *𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒: https://lnkd.in/gKQDN7et 📸 : METI Minister Saito Ken (the image on the left); outgoing PM Kishida Fumio and Koizumi Shinjiro in May 2024 | Cabinet Public Affairs Office via Wikimedia Commons #japan　 #energy #politics #japannrg #LDPpresidentialelection #自民党総裁選

𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐘 𝐉𝐎𝐁𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 : In the Asia Pacific region, Singapore has traditionally been seen as the primary regional hub. Its central location provides easy access to all key Asian markets. Political stability, public safety, high levels of education, and low income and corporate taxes make it an attractive location for global executives to be based.   Boasting a multicultural population and world-class education system has fostered a capable talent pool, which can be found employed widely in the energy sector, especially in investment and trading functions.   As Asia Pacific is the largest growth market in the rapidly transforming energy sector, Singapore’s talent, however, might not be enough to cover the increasing regional demand.   Can Japan, which has traditionally been a leader in providing financing and technology across the region, step up and play a larger role in providing regional talent in Asia?   Let’s look at the talent that already exists in Japan with the capability to deliver beyond, as well as arguments for Japan performing effectively as a regional hub, and the challenges that will be faced both in hiring local talent and using Tokyo as an expatriate base. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #jobsinjapan #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gSPR9aFn

𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 / 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒 : The most diverse, unpredictable and even chaotic leadership race to determine a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Kishida will culminate in a vote on Sept 27. For all the drama and rhetoric, however, energy policy is one of the few issues on which almost all the candidates converge. Of the nine candidates vying to become the head of the ruling LDP, and thus automatically the prime minister, all but one support nuclear energy in some form, and all but one seem keen to promote renewable energy. In prior years, the two stances were often set apart and politicians would align with one or the other. Japan’s current situation seems to have blunted the ideological dichotomy. Instead, there is growing emphasis on the need for both to coexist. This lean into pragmatism on the energy front follows two key realizations among the public and lawmakers. One is that electricity prices in Japan’s post-2016 liberalized market can go up, as well as down, and even rise rapidly – due to wars, transport and climate issues, and a weaker domestic currency. The other is that the government’s digital push and tech revival, coupled with a global AI boom, will have unintended consequences: namely, the need for much more energy. Japan’s energy policy is at a critical juncture as the government is revising the Basic Energy Plan this fiscal year. Before stepping down, Kishida has redoubled the effort to restart TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant after years of issues. Whether the new premier will support the replacement of aging reactors with new ones is unclear, but policy battle lines are no longer starkly drawn. There is a greater urgency to utilize all possible options. Under the circumstances, several of the LDP candidates have noticeably revised their prior stance on energy planning. 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 takes a closer look at where each stands. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #LDPelection #politics #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gKQDN7et

🆕 The latest issue of Japan NRG Weekly is out. Enjoy reading! 📩 If you want full access then please subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly report by contacting us at: info@japan-nrg.com Below is a brief overview. These are the top energy and electricity news in the 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟕 edition: ▶︎ ENERGY POLICY / DECARBONIZATION : Govt to focus on GX cost cuts, support for hard-to-abate sectors in next Basic Energy Plan ▶︎ HYDROGEN : Japan Hydrogen Fund announces initial launch with $400 mln, and key investors including Toyota, TotalEnergies ▶︎ RENEWABLES / ASIAN MARKETS : Sumitomo to invest ¥100 billion in India to build solar and onshore wind farms, battery storage a possibility Our latest 𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺: ◆ ENERGY POLICY / POLITICS : The race to determine a successor to outgoing PM Kishida culminates on Sept 27. Of the nine candidates vying to head the ruling LDP, and thus the prime minister, all but one support nuclear energy in some form, and all but one sound keen to promote renewable energy. Japan’s energy policy is at a critical juncture as it's set to approve a new Basic Energy Plan. 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 takes a look at the candidates and where they stand on energy. ◆ ENERGY JOBS IN JAPAN : Singapore has long been Asia Pacific 's hub with a highly capable talent pool, but it might no longer be sufficient to cover regional professional job demand as the economy grows, especially the energy sector. Can Japan step up and play a major role in supplying regional talent in Asia Pacific? Let’s look at the talent that Japan already has, with the ability to deliver beyond, as well as arguments for Japan acting as a regional hub both in hiring local talent and using Tokyo as an expat base. Want more details? Subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly reports. Info via info@japan-nrg.com OR, sign up for our free Japan NRG Lite newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #energy #japan #decarbonization #japannrg