Title: International Energy Pattern in Early 21st Century and Its Medium and Long Term Trend: Also on the Dilemmas and Solution for Japanese Energy Security
Abstract: Given global climate change, the concept of energy security needs to have a paradigm shift: it should not only include energy supply-demand contradictions and network vulnerabilities and potential risks but also be related with environmental and water security, forming a more generalized concept of energy security. Currently, a number of new factors are prompting significant changes in the international energy landscape and energy paradigm: first, the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident has had a serious impact on the global public confidence in nuclear safety, and countries around the world will be more prudent in developing nuclear power; second, renewable energy develops fast and gets increasingly popular; third, climate change is changing the overall pattern of natural resources including both energy and environment; fourth, unconventional oil and gas resources are developed, the status of natural gas is elevated, and the new axis of energy supply in America rises; fifth, here comes ice revolution and marine energy development. After Fukushima nuclear accident, Japanese energy security faces both opportunities and challenges. Thus, for the future trend of energy security strategies, Japan will adhere to the development of nuclear power but with more cautiousness and robustness, actively promote energy diplomacy to ensure the diversity of energy supply, increase the portion of natural gas in its primary energy structure, vigorously develop renewable resources and promote energy efficiency, and put more emphasis on the development of marine energy resources such as combustible ice. Finally, the current Japanese foreign policy on the neighboring region will be the biggest potential risks for its energy security; the hawkish nationalist policies of the longruling Liberal Democratic Party will eventually lead Japan to a disaster, and Japan's energy security will be the first to bear the brunt.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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