An update on Japan's energy sector

Almost two years after the publication of an article on Japan's energy sector, an update is provided based on discussions with relevant Japanese stakeholders. The issue of energy security remains the major challenge of Japan's energy policy although it has been brought into question by a certain number of regulatory changes: the role of nuclear power is threatened by the tightening of safety standards; and the expansion of renewables, considered excessive by some, has been financed by very favourable purchase prices, currently under revision. In this context, a resurgence in LNG and coal could be triggered by technological improvements