Mapping the Energy Future

This episode is talking about “The integration costs of variable renewable energies must be considered”. LCOE alone doesn’t reflect the true cost of power. When integration costs of variable renewables are included, solar becomes expensive at high penetration levels. In Japan and ASEAN, total costs rise sharply beyond 34–50% VRE. A cost-effective energy mix must consider these integration costs.

This episode is talking about “Energy Efficiency of AI & Energy Efficiency by AI”. How AI is driving up energy demand—especially in data centers—and how improving its efficiency could help reduce global energy use. With the right strategies, AI could boost energy efficiency across industries by 2035, but it will require training, incentives, and better data practices.

This episode is talking about “Global Energy Outlook: Strong Demand Driven by India and ASEAN”. IEEJ’s Global Energy Outlook outlines rising energy demand—especially in India and ASEAN—alongside strong global gas use and ongoing coal expansion. While deep CO₂ cuts by 2050 are possible with technology, the 1.5°C goal is unlikely. Achieving 2°C remains feasible with more effort, and climate adaptation is increasingly vital.

This episode is talking about “Japan’s International Initiatives in the Energy Sector”. While Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been struggling with political difficulties following the defeat in the Upper House election in July, leading to his announcement on September 7 to resign from the Presidency of LDP, the ruling party, he has also been leading Japan in a series of international energy initiatives.

This episode is talking about “Japan’s Politics Update”. This episode follows up the developments since the Upper House election held on July 20th. With the ruling coalition parties’ defeat, politics is becoming very fluid. Mr. Terazawa will explain Japan’s political situation, which is increasingly complex and confusing.

This episode is talking about “Japan’s Upper House Election on July 20th”. Japan's Upper House Election will be held on July 20th. The election results could have a major impact on the political landscape, but there is a lot of uncertainty, and the outcome is difficult to predict. Although it may have a significant political impact, its impact on energy policy will be minor.

This episode is talking about “Japan’s Policies to support investment in power generation”. Japan has been liberalizing its power sector over the past 30 years, but challenges remain in achieving both a stable power supply and decarbonization.

These efforts can be valuable lessons for designing power markets under the energy transition.

This episode is talking about “ Japan’s Carbon Pricing”. The Japanese Government submitted the bill earlier this year to introduce an ETS (Emissions Trading System) to its Diet. The ETS will mark a significant step in the introduction of carbon pricing in Japan. Mr. Terazawa will explain the design of the Japanese ETS.

This episode is talking about “LNG for Japan & Asia”. Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan recognizes the important role of LNG, and imports in 2040 are expected to be between 54 Mt and 74 Mt. The expansion of LNG supply from North America is also important, with four options (Gulf, Mexico, Canada, Alaska) each presenting its own pros and cons.

This episode is talking about “Finance for the Energy Transition in EMDM”. At COP 29, a pledge was made to transfer at least $300 billion per year from advanced economies to Emerging Markets and Developing Markets (EMDM) by 2035. But have we looked closely enough at the barriers to financing? Mr. Terazawa will share his takeaways from this conversation at the Davos meeting this year.