The natural and subsequent human disasters of March 11, 2011 in Japan have brought into focus more than ever the importance of resilience and risk mitigation in the construction of energy infrastructure. This article introduces some of the critical issues and discusses the implications of energy in alleviating or exacerbating the risks of natural disasters. Additionally, it presents a framework for considering the risks of energy systems from a broad perspective. The connection is drawn between design for sustainability and the risks associated with energy systems in natural disasters. As a result of the assessment, six criteria are proposed for energy systems to contribute to societal resilience in the face of natural disasters—they should be: (1) Continuous; (2) Robust; (3) Independent; (4) Controllable; (5) Non-hazardous; and (6) Matched to demand
In post-Fukushima Japan, the government has presented three scenarios of nuclear power reduction (zero nuclear, 15% nuclear, and 20-25% nuclear), of which it has recently selected the zero nuclear energy scenario as its preferred option. The choice of energy strategy has significant implications for the Asian region as well as domestically. This paper examines these scenarios and the energy strategy as a whole with regards to its achievability and outcomes. The analysis is based on modeling of the existing energy system of Japan with projections based on the government strategy out to the 2030's. Under all the scenarios, it is likely that a small increase in energy security will be obtained, but the achievement of environmental commitments is less likely. The paper points out that, while largely internally consistent, the government's strategy does not consider cross-sectoral policy widely enough. A number of alternative integrated policy options are also presented which are proposed to enable greater potential for practical achievement of the government's goals. Ultimately, it is anticipated that an approach which involves much greater integration at domestic (rural-urban development), energy system wide (electric vehicle and decentralized energy integration into the energy supply grid) and regional (co-operation in development of resources in areas of contested ownership) levels, could enhance the energy supply security and stability of the region as well as Japan itself.
This article carries out a multisectoral qualitative analysis (MSQA) and policy integration analysis of six sectors important for climate mitigation in Southeast Asia in order to assess the status of the climate-energy nexus in the region. It concludes that Southeast Asia will be heavily affected by climate change but the mitigation efforts of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are incommensurate with the threat they face. Their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement are modest, they have a low proportion of renewable energy in their energy mixes, a modest target for raising the share of renewable energy and they are not likely to reach this target. The ASEAN countries have also been slow to adopt electric vehicles and to accede to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), while continuing to burn their forests, channel subsidies to fossil fuels and invest in new coal power plants. If ASEAN accelerated decarbonization, it could seize business opportunities, secure its standing in the international political system and climate justice discussions, and increase its chances of reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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