Energy shapes our future. Here, you can discover the prospects for a sustainable energy future and the development of nuclear technology being pursued through global collaboration.
Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while balancing stable energy supply and economic growth. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to maintain economic activity while steadily reducing carbon dioxide emissions in every field. In recent years, however, vulnerabilities in the energy supply-demand structure have become apparent due to tightening electricity demand and supply, as well as sharply rising energy prices. As a result, ensuring the affordable and stable supply of electricity to support people's lives and economic activities has become a priority issue.
Source: Prepared with modifications based on "Energy Supply and Demand Outlook for FY2040 (References)," Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Source: Excerpt from "Demand-side Initiatives to Realize Carbon Neutrality in 2050," Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Given this situation, it is important to introduce renewable energy as the primary power source, while aiming for a balanced power configuration that does not rely excessively on any specific power source or fuel. It is crucial to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and thoroughly institute energy saving measures while making full use of energy sources that will help ensure energy security, such as renewables and nuclear power.
Source: Excerpt from “Japan's Energy: What is ‘Carbon Neutrality’ all about? (Part 2) Why does Japan aim to realize it?" Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
In the future, demand for electricity is expected to increase due to advances in DX (Digital Transformation)*1 and GX (Green Transformation)*2. To ensure sufficient decarbonized power sources while maintaining economic growth and industrial competitiveness, it is necessary to consider the introduction of various technologies such as hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic methane (e-methane) and CCUS*3. However, since since every method of generating electricity has both advantages and disadvantages, it is not realistic to rely on a single option.
Japan's 7th Strategic Energy Plan establishes the fundamental policy of positioning renewable energy as a primary power source and fully utilizing nuclear power generation, in light of the changing situation surrounding Japan. This requires a flexible perspective that skillfully combines various technologies and power generation methods.
Solving energy issues is not the sole responsibility of government or companies. It is important for each of us to understand how electricity is generated, transported, and used. Having each individual possess accurate knowledge about power generation methods and consciously adopt energy-saving measures and environmentally considerate practices in their daily lives will lead to a sustainable future.Moreover, continuing to embrace this thinking is a major step that will enrich the lives of future generations. For our future, why not start doing things today that will make a difference?
Inside of the plasma vacuum vessel
(Photo courtesy of NIFS)
Nuclear fusion is a technology that generates a large amount of energy by artificially causing the same reaction as fusion of atomic nuclei inside the sun. Although the practical application of nuclear fusion was once considered a dream, it is now attracting global attention as a promising candidate for clean energy because it produces less high-level radioactive waste and has the potential to reduce the risk of accidents.
Large Helical Device
(Photo courtesy of National Institute for Fusion Science)
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in southern France is underway to pursue this vast challenge. Countries such as Japan, Europe, the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, and India are working together to create fusion reactions in a tokamak device and verify its potential as a new energy source. The development requires huge investments and many years, but it can be considered an important step towards future energy, taking into account measures against global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels.
An "accelerator" is a device that accelerates particles such as electrons and protons to speeds close to the speed of light in order to study elementary particles, the smallest constituents of matter. This technology provides clues to understanding the origins of the universe and the nature of matter, making it essential to the advancement of fundamental science.
Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) Accelerator MR
(Synchrotron, 30 GeV)
Proton Therapy System at National Cancer Centre Singapore
Accelerators were originally developed to study the structure and reactions of atomic nuclei. Today, these techonologies are also used in various fields that contribute to our daily lives, such as medicine and industry. Japan has achieved world-leading results in this field, and at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, projects are underway to recreate the environment immediately after the birth of the universe and thoroughly investigate the properties and interactions of elementary particles.
