Japan's economic growth has generated consumer expectations for higher levels of comfort, especially for air-conditioning in summer, for more electrical appliances, for larger cars and for the increased use of cars. Energy consumption growth now has to be curbed in the face of these trends and at a time when economic recovery is a top priority. There are no simple solutions. The report commends Japan's focus on energy efficiency and makes recommendations on gas and electricity pricing, voluntary agreements with industry, and on energy conservation standards for buildings. Nuclear Energy 5.
Japan promotes domestic development of nuclear power as an economic and carbon-free source of power.
The utilities have sites for 15 new reactors, but the lead times for construction are long. The report concludes that Japan's nuclear energy production target is achievable, making possible the expected contribution of the nuclear industry to the achievement of Japan's Kyoto target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, provided capacity utilisation can be improved and public acceptance maintained. There is scope for bringing the periodic inspection regime into line with current trends in other OECD countries. Whether the planned nuclear output will contribute enough to meet Japan's Kyoto target will depend on the rate of growth in electricity consumption which, in turn, depends on the effectiveness of energy efficiency policies. Additional reactors could be needed, beyond those planned.