Primary energy self-sufficiency rate Japan FY 2013-2022

In the fiscal year 2022, the rate of primary energy self-sufficiency in Japan reached approximately 12.6 percent. Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, all domestic nuclear reactors were switched off for security inspections and Japan was forced to switch to fossil fuels for energy production. Consequently, the self-sufficiency rate hit a decade-low of 6.3 percent in the fiscal year 2014.

 Japan remains dependent on fossil fuel imports

Fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal continue to represent the energy sources with the largest share in electricity production. Since Japan only has scarce natural resources, it is heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports for its energy production.

Reasons for the increase in the energy self-sufficiency rate

The energy self-sufficiency rate indicated an increase in recent years as the Japanese government continuously works on expanding the use of renewable energy and the reactivation of nuclear power plants. The country aims to become less dependent on fossil fuel imports, decrease electricity prices, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The share of renewables in electricity generation increased to over 20 percent in recent years, with solar power representing the largest renewable energy source.