Claim OwnershipMapping the Energy Future
Subscribed: 7Played: 55
Subscribe
© The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan
Description
This podcast aims not only to identify the global challenges including energy security, energy affordability, and climate change but also to share with listeners our pragmatic solutions to those.
About IEEJ
The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) is a private think tank that covers energy problems, climate issues, and geopolitical agendas across the world. Visit us at https://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/ for more information.
About IEEJ
The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) is a private think tank that covers energy problems, climate issues, and geopolitical agendas across the world. Visit us at https://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/ for more information.
47 Episodes
Reverse
This episode is talking about “The start of ETS in Japan”. Japan’s new ETS, launching in April and covering 60% of national emissions, introduces a growth‑oriented design with realistic allowance allocation and free credits through FY 2033. With early energy‑transition support, a price band to spur investment, and limited carbon‑credit offsets, the system also creates new opportunities for global low‑carbon solution providers.
This episode is talking about “PM Takaichi’s Triumph”. PM Sanae Takaichi won the Lower House election, largely due to her strong popularity and the opposition parties’ weaknesses. Her victory enables her to pass legislation without relying on opposition support. While her administration is expected to maintain the overall direction of existing energy and climate policies, the mega‑solar sector may face notable impacts.
This episode is talking about “Significant Progress in Nuclear Power in Japan”. Local governors have approved restarting KK Unit 6 and Tomari Unit 3, signaling growing momentum for nuclear power in Japan. While this marks a major step, challenges remain for further restarts and reactor replacements.
This episode is talking about “Various Pathways for Decarbonizing Road Transport in the Global South”. BEVs are not the only solution for the Global South. In Indonesia, their life-cycle CO₂ emissions are currently the highest among powertrains and may remain so, while deployment costs must also be considered. Brazil benefits most from combining biofuels with hybrids, and biogas is a practical option for India. In some regions, climate conditions make BEVs less suitable, so road transport strategies should reflect local circumstances.
This episode is talking about “The integration costs of variable renewable energies must be considered”. LCOE alone doesn’t reflect the true cost of power. When integration costs of variable renewables are included, solar becomes expensive at high penetration levels. In Japan and ASEAN, total costs rise sharply beyond 34–50% VRE. A cost-effective energy mix must consider these integration costs.
This episode is talking about “Energy Efficiency of AI & Energy Efficiency by AI”. How AI is driving up energy demand—especially in data centers—and how improving its efficiency could help reduce global energy use. With the right strategies, AI could boost energy efficiency across industries by 2035, but it will require training, incentives, and better data practices.
This episode is talking about “Global Energy Outlook: Strong Demand Driven by India and ASEAN”. IEEJ’s Global Energy Outlook outlines rising energy demand—especially in India and ASEAN—alongside strong global gas use and ongoing coal expansion. While deep CO₂ cuts by 2050 are possible with technology, the 1.5°C goal is unlikely. Achieving 2°C remains feasible with more effort, and climate adaptation is increasingly vital.
This episode is talking about “Japan’s International Initiatives in the Energy Sector”. While Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been struggling with political difficulties following the defeat in the Upper House election in July, leading to his announcement on September 7 to resign from the Presidency of LDP, the ruling party, he has also been leading Japan in a series of international energy initiatives.
This episode is talking about “Japan’s Politics Update”. This episode follows up the developments since the Upper House election held on July 20th. With the ruling coalition parties’ defeat, politics is becoming very fluid. Mr. Terazawa will explain Japan’s political situation, which is increasingly complex and confusing.
This episode is talking about “Japan’s Upper House Election on July 20th”. Japan's Upper House Election will be held on July 20th. The election results could have a major impact on the political landscape, but there is a lot of uncertainty, and the outcome is difficult to predict. Although it may have a significant political impact, its impact on energy policy will be minor.
This episode is talking about “Japan’s Policies to support investment in power generation”. Japan has been liberalizing its power sector over the past 30 years, but challenges remain in achieving both a stable power supply and decarbonization. These efforts can be valuable lessons for designing power markets under the energy transition.
This episode is talking about “ Japan’s Carbon Pricing”. The Japanese Government submitted the bill earlier this year to introduce an ETS (Emissions Trading System) to its Diet. The ETS will mark a significant step in the introduction of carbon pricing in Japan. Mr. Terazawa will explain the design of the Japanese ETS.
This episode is talking about “LNG for Japan & Asia”. Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan recognizes the important role of LNG, and imports in 2040 are expected to be between 54 Mt and 74 Mt. The expansion of LNG supply from North America is also important, with four options (Gulf, Mexico, Canada, Alaska) each presenting its own pros and cons.
This episode is talking about “Finance for the Energy Transition in EMDM”. At COP 29, a pledge was made to transfer at least $300 billion per year from advanced economies to Emerging Markets and Developing Markets (EMDM) by 2035. But have we looked closely enough at the barriers to financing? Mr. Terazawa will share his takeaways from this conversation at the Davos meeting this year.
This episode is talking about “Energy discussions in Davos”. Mr. Terazawa will share the discussions in Davos, to which he was invited during the week of January 20th. There were so many discussions in Davos that he can only cover mostly energy related topics. These are solely his takeaways from Davos, and he is quite sure that some of you who attended may have different views.
This episode is talking about “Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan”. The draft for Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan (the Plan) has been approved by the government policy committee of which Mr. Terazawa is a member. The Plan will be put to a public comment process and is expected to be decided by the Cabinet in February. Mr. Terazawa will share an overview of the Plan.
This episode is talking about “Are BEVs the only path to decarbonize the passenger vehicle sector?”. In many countries Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are considered the only powertrain toward the pathway for decarbonizing the passenger vehicle sector. But the choice of the powertrain must be determined based on a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) basis considering GHG emissions region-by-region. This analysis presents a very different picture for the future of passenger vehicles.
This episode is talking about “Are we on the path towards 1.5℃?”. COP29 ended with mixed achievements. The return of Donald Trump as President-elect certainly put cold water on the discussions. As countries are now preparing for their next NDCs, Mr. Terazawa believes that it is an appropriate time to assess where we are on our path towards 1.5℃.
This episode is talking about “The Impact on energy policies of the political turmoil in Japan”. The general election of October 27 turned out to be a surprise to many. The ruling parties lost their majority. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was confirmed to continue as Prime Minister of Japan as of November 11, despite leading a minority coalition. His government will face many challenges.
This episode is talking about “New Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his energy policy”. Shigeru Ishiba recently won the presidential race of the LDP and, as of October 1, he became the new Prime Minister of Japan. Mr. Terazawa will explore the extent of his energy policy in this episode.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States