【环时深度】日本如何沦为全球能源转型“绊脚石”

Core Viewpoint - Japan's government has decided to stop financial support for large-scale photovoltaic projects starting from the fiscal year 2027, citing the need to protect the natural environment, ensure public safety, and maintain landscape aesthetics. This decision reflects a backward step in Japan's energy policy and highlights its ongoing struggle with climate commitments and reliance on fossil fuels [1][2]. Group 1: Energy Policy and Criticism - Japan has been criticized for its energy policies, receiving the "Fossil Award" multiple times for its lack of action on climate change, particularly for its investments in coal-fired power plants and other fossil fuel projects [2][3]. - The country’s energy transition is characterized by a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with natural gas accounting for approximately 32.9% and coal for about 28.5% of its total electricity generation in 2023, leading to a combined fossil fuel share of around 68.7% [4][5]. - Japan's international investments in fossil fuel projects, such as those funded by the Japan International Cooperation Bank, have resulted in substantial carbon emissions, further complicating its domestic decarbonization efforts [5][6]. Group 2: Renewable Energy Goals and Challenges - Japan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its power structure to 36%-38% by 2030 and 40%-50% by 2040, but these targets are considered conservative compared to the potential for greater growth [7][8]. - The country has significant offshore wind potential, yet its plans only target a 4%-8% share of wind energy in its power structure by 2040, which many experts believe could be increased by at least 25% [7][8]. - The decision-making process for Japan's energy policies has been criticized for being dominated by fossil fuel interests, leading to a lack of ambitious climate goals and a slow transition to renewable energy [8][9]. Group 3: Economic Structure and Transition Obstacles - Japan's traditional industries, such as steel and automotive, play a crucial role in its economy and are significant carbon emitters, making the transition to cleaner energy sources challenging and requiring substantial investment [9][10]. - The government tends to favor conservative, incremental approaches to energy transition, such as promoting hybrid vehicles instead of fully electric ones, which has drawn criticism from environmental groups [10][11]. - Japan's energy strategy has been described as lacking ambition, with a focus on maintaining energy security at the expense of aggressive decarbonization efforts, which poses risks to global climate goals [11][12].