Japidi Energy Use Guide

Listing Results Japidi Energy Use Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

• How dependent is Japan on imports for energy?

  What is clear from the above is that Japan is critically dependent upon imports for energy. Again, according to EDMC data for 2008, in 2008 Japan imported almost 99 percent of its oil, 98 percent of its coal, and 96 percent of its gas. Most (88 percent) of oil came from the Middle East, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, and Kuwait.

• How fragile is Japan’s energy supply structure?

  Given that Japan already relies on the Middle East for around 86.6% of its oil and also depends on imports for most of its non- oil energy resources, it is clear that the country’s energy supply structure is even more fragile than that of other industrial nations.

• What is driving Japan's shift to renewable energy?

  After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, Japan’s energy fuel mix shifted, and natural gas, oil, and renewable energy shares of total energy consumption have increased to replace some of the nuclear energy share.

• What is Japan’s position in the vital area of energy?

  On the contrary, when it comes to the vital area of energy, Japan’s position is one of abject dependence and, hence, vulnerability. Tellingly, a main topic of discussion between President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Kan when they met at the Prime Minister’s residence was strengthening cooperation on maritime transport security.

• What is the main source of energy for Japan?

  Japan, in particular, is largely dependent on fossil fuels such as oil, coal and LNG (liquefied natural gas). In the year preceding the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan was dependent on fossil fuels for 81.2% of the total primary energy supply.

• What is Japan’s energy policy for the future?

  The basic principle of Japan’s energy policy for the future, known as 3E+S, has been established to cope with various challenges. Keeping in mind that Safety always comes first, the principle is to simultaneously achieve Energy Security, Economic Efficiency and Environment.

• Where are natural gas and oil found in Japan?

  The main oil- and gas-bearing belt extends from northern Honshu on the Sea of Japan to the Ishikari-Yūfutsu lowlands in Hokkaido. Natural gas reserves also have been found in eastern Chiba prefecture and offshore east of Tōhoku.

• How fragile is Japan’s energy supply structure?

  Given that Japan already relies on the Middle East for around 86.6% of its oil and also depends on imports for most of its non- oil energy resources, it is clear that the country’s energy supply structure is even more fragile than that of other industrial nations.