IZESIGES2018能源转型的战略框架与社会文化面貌（英文）201810139页3mb

Summary of the German-Japanese Energy Transition Council Study Program

Core Content

This study program, conducted by the German-Japanese Energy Transition Council (GJETC), explores the strategic framework and socio-cultural aspects of the energy transition in Germany and Japan. It aims to understand the challenges and opportunities in both countries, identify lessons for mutual learning, and recommend actions to support a sustainable, climate-friendly energy system.

Main Objectives and Approach

• Objective: To analyze the energy transition in Germany and Japan, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Approach:
  • A comparative analysis of both countries' energy transition strategies.
  • A multi-level framework (Geels) and narrative analysis to assess socio-cultural and strategic conditions.
  • Three work packages:
    1. National desk studies based on a set of questions.
    2. Cross-country review and commentary.
    3. Joint writing and recommendations.

Key Findings

1.2.1 Background

• Both Japan and Germany are highly industrialized, technologically advanced, and resource-poor.
• They are among the top economies in the world and share high energy efficiency due to sector-specific policies.
• Japan faced a crisis of confidence in nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, which intensified the search for alternative energy sources.
• Germany had already started its energy transition (Energiewende) before the Fukushima event, which accelerated the nuclear phase-out and renewable energy expansion.
• Both countries are dealing with aging populations and urbanization, which impact energy demand and policy design.

1.2.2 Strategic Framework Conditions, Targets, and Strategies

• Commonalities:
  • Both countries base their energy policy on economic efficiency, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
  • Decarbonization is a shared priority.
• Differences:
  • Germany has a more ambitious and structured approach to the energy transition, including specific targets and policy instruments.
  • Japan has not yet fully committed to a decentralized energy system and still relies on nuclear energy to some extent.
  • Germany has a stronger grassroots movement against nuclear power, influencing policy over decades.
  • Japan lacks a comparable anti-nuclear movement.
• Challenges:
  • In Germany, power companies are facing significant losses due to the transition, and industrial sectors are exempt from energy costs to avoid carbon leakage.
  • In Japan, high energy prices are a barrier to climate mitigation and public support.

1.2.3 Socio-Cultural Preconditions for a Sustainable Climate-Friendly Model

• Shared perceptions:
  • Both societies favor renewable energy but resist local infrastructure (e.g., wind turbines, high voltage lines).
  • Nuclear energy is seen as risky in both countries.
• Differences:
  • Japan has deep-rooted energy security concerns, especially due to its geographic vulnerability.
  • Germany has a stronger tradition of grassroots activism, which has shaped energy policy.
  • Both countries are moving towards prosumerism, where individuals and communities produce and consume their own energy.

1.2.4 Public Discourse, Acceptance, and Narratives

• Public acceptance:
  • In Germany, acceptance is often linked to economic participation (e.g., feed-in tariffs, community projects).
  • In Japan, the government has experimented with deliberative polling to engage the public in energy policy discussions.
• Narratives:
  • In Germany, the anti-nuclear movement and decentralization are central narratives.
  • In Japan, the nuclear phase-out and decentralization are developing narratives.
• Role of science:
  • In Germany, the scientific community plays a key role in policy advising, public discourse, and education.
  • In Japan, the scientific role is less visible in public debate.

Recommendations

• Establish a bilateral policy research dialogue between Japan and Germany to exchange knowledge and learn from each other's experiences.
• Strengthen civil society in Japan, drawing on German NGOs for support.
• Enhance multi-stakeholder dialogue, involving businesses, civil society, and the research community.
• Support the development of a diverse and independent research community to ensure informed decision-making and scientific evaluation of energy transition strategies.
• Address energy security and affordability in policy design to reduce resistance and increase public support.
• Further research is needed on coal phase-out, public acceptance, and policy implementation.

Conclusion

The energy transition in both Japan and Germany is a complex, multi-faceted process requiring strategic frameworks, public engagement, and socio-cultural adaptation. The study highlights the need for collaboration, policy innovation, and inclusive dialogue to ensure a successful and sustainable transition.