Japan has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, yet the pathways to this target are complicated by the country’s recent history. In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown, Japan suspended all of its nuclear reactors, which at the time supplied one third of the nation’s energy. Today, the majority of these reactors still lie dormant, and fossil fuels are filling the energy void. So how can Japan achieve its climate goals? On today’s show, Dana sits down with Isshu Kikuma, an associate from BNEF’s Tokyo office. Together they talk about the clean energy technologies Japan is using to replace its fossil fuel outlay, the country’s still-complex relationship with nuclear energy, and the surprising group that’s currently blocking the nation’s geothermal energy potential.

Today’s episode draws upon themes found in BNEF’s New Energy Outlook: Japan. The regional New Energy Outlook reports analyze local technology pathways to reach net zero and the policy recommendations BNEF identifies as key for a successful transition. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: NEO Japan - https://www.bnef.com/insights/31823/view Geothermal in Japan: A Tale of Hot Springs Vs Net Zero - https://www.bnef.com/insights/30857See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.