Japan's energy landscape is undergoing profound transformations, driven by several domestic imperatives, including the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, international obligations under the Paris Agreement, and broader geopolitical shifts. This research project investigates Japan's energy transition strategy and policies from domestic and international perspectives.

The study elucidates the changes in Japan's energy profile prompted by disruptions in global fossil fuel markets, a reassessment of nuclear energy's role within the national energy mix, and the growing integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, alongside emerging technologies, including carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, and ammonia. From a domestic perspective, the project examines the policies and regulatory frameworks that support Japan's decarbonisation efforts and green economic model.

On the international front, the research explores Japan's commitments to combating climate change, its strategies to ensure national energy security through initiatives aimed at de-risking and reshoring and its involvement in global energy transition governance, including its norm-making aspirations. Furthermore, the study highlights Japan's endeavours to promote clean energy technologies in developing countries.

The research encompasses Japan's engagement in Central Asia, a region where emerging economies encounter considerable challenges related to technology and financing for energy transitions. The project introduces the concept of the Strategy for Energy Transition Enhancement (SETE), a comprehensive framework grounded in the (Supra)National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) and operationalised through Energy Transition Diplomacy (ETD). SETE is designed to accommodate global, regional, and host country contexts, driven by energy security needs and bolstered by competitive advantages essential for facilitating the energy transition.

The study conducts a comparative analysis of the SETEs of the European Union (EU) and Japan, two non-regional actors that are increasingly active in the renewable energy development of Central Asia. Despite their distinct approaches—shaped by varying energy security needs, technological priorities, and institutional preferences—both actors exhibit a burgeoning interest in promoting energy transitions within the region. The research reveals a growing synergy between the EU’s and Japan’s SETEs, which may enhance the prospects for energy transition in Central Asia.

The project underscores the multifaceted nature of Japan's energy transition, balancing domestic priorities with international responsibilities. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with Japan's strategic and policy approaches. By examining Japan's domestic and international energy transition contexts, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and synergies inherent in global energy transition efforts.