The Energy Policy Tracker has finished its first phase of tracking related to the Covid-19 recovery. Our dataset for 2020-2021 is complete. A new dataset on energy policies in the context of multiple crises will be launched in the coming year.

Japan

In 2020-2021, in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, Japan has committed at least USD 20.78 billion to supporting different energy types through new or amended policies, according to official government sources and other publicly available information. These public money commitments include:

  • At least USD 1.70 billion for unconditional fossil fuels through 4 policies (3 quantified and 1 unquantified)
  • No public money commitments identified for conditional fossil fuels
  • At least USD 234.14 million for unconditional clean energy through 3 policies (2 quantified and 1 unquantified)
  • At least USD 18.82 billion for conditional clean energy through 4 policies (4 quantified)
  • At least USD 24.35 million for other energy through 2 policies (2 quantified)

By energy type, Japan committed at least USD 1.63 billion to oil and gas (at least USD 1.63 billion to unconditional oil and gas).

In addition, no public money commitments identified for coal.

Further, no public money commitments identified for hydrogen based on fossil fuels.

Finally, no public money commitments identified for multiple fossil fuels.

A considerably larger amount of public money committed to supporting the economy and people of Japan through monetary and fiscal policies in response to the crisis may also benefit different elements of the energy sector. However, these values are not available from official legislation and statements and therefore are not included in the database. Meanwhile, in addition to monetary and fiscal measures, the database lists other policies and regulations that can also provide benefits to producers and consumers of different energy types.

These public money commitments are additional to many other government policies that had existed to support different energy types before the COVID19 pandemic.

More information on key poverty and inequality indicators in Japan can be found on the Inequality and Poverty Dashboard page.

Updated: December 31st 2021


At least

$1.70 billion

Supporting fossil fuel energy

$13.50

Per capita



At least

$19.06 billion

Supporting clean energy

$150.92

Per capita

Share Tweet Download

Japan

In 2020-2021, in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, Japan has committed at least USD 20.78 billion to supporting different energy types through new or amended policies, according to official government sources and other publicly available information. These public money commitments include:

  • At least USD 1.70 billion for unconditional fossil fuels through 4 policies (3 quantified and 1 unquantified)
  • No public money commitments identified for conditional fossil fuels
  • At least USD 234.14 million for unconditional clean energy through 3 policies (2 quantified and 1 unquantified)
  • At least USD 18.82 billion for conditional clean energy through 4 policies (4 quantified)
  • At least USD 24.35 million for other energy through 2 policies (2 quantified)

By energy type, Japan committed at least USD 1.63 billion to oil and gas (at least USD 1.63 billion to unconditional oil and gas).

In addition, no public money commitments identified for coal.

Further, no public money commitments identified for hydrogen based on fossil fuels.

Finally, no public money commitments identified for multiple fossil fuels.

A considerably larger amount of public money committed to supporting the economy and people of Japan through monetary and fiscal policies in response to the crisis may also benefit different elements of the energy sector. However, these values are not available from official legislation and statements and therefore are not included in the database. Meanwhile, in addition to monetary and fiscal measures, the database lists other policies and regulations that can also provide benefits to producers and consumers of different energy types.

These public money commitments are additional to many other government policies that had existed to support different energy types before the COVID19 pandemic.

More information on key poverty and inequality indicators in Japan can be found on the Inequality and Poverty Dashboard page.

$ %
Share Tweet Download

Public money commitments to fossil fuels, clean and other energy in Japan recovery packages, USD billion, in 2020-2021

Share Tweet Download

Policies

Submit missing policy Download CSV
Country Jurisdiction Category Policy name Sector Energy Type Mechanism Value committed, USD Date of announcement Stage Legislation and Endorsing Agency Arm of Government Primary and secondary stated objective of the policy Date of entry into force Implemented repeal date, if any Value committed, national currency Value disbursed, national currency Value disbursed, USD: Policy background Links to official sources Links to additional sources
Japan National Other energy Acceleration of the construction of the technological basis for a fusion DEMO reactor Power generation Nuclear Budget or off-budget transfer ... 16857878.716928 2020121414/12/2020 Electricity generation Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Government R&D of nuclear fusion 1800000000 By accelerating the production and maintenance of heating system of the JT-60SA, which is the only one in the world capable of performing "research on stable control of high-performance plasmas." This is for the development of a fusion DEMO reactor. An experimental plasma heating operation using JT-60SA will be carried out at an early stage, in order to: (1) Accelerate research and development toward a fusion DEMO reactor, and (2) Improve the technology base of enterprises related to the most advanced fusion-related devices and activation of the industrial base including small and medium-sized enterprises.

https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20201214-mxt_kaikesou01-100014477-000_2-1.pdf Accessed 6 Jan 2021
Japan National Clean conditional Promotion of effective use of sewerage resources to realize a green society Other sector Biofuels and waste Budget or off-budget transfer ... 46827440.880356 2020121414/12/2020 Several energy stages Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation Government Energy recovery from sewage sludge 5000000000 To promote the effective use of sewerage resources and contribute to carbon neutrality, develop facilities to convert sewage sludge into energy, and developing facilities for wide-area and joint use to promote the consolidation of sewerage resources.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/content/001378258.pdf Accessed 6 Jan 2021
Japan National Other energy Promote carbon neutrality in the maritime and port sectors Mobility Multiple energy types Budget or off-budget transfer ... 7492390.5408569 2020121414/12/2020 Energy use (all energy types, consumption in transport, household use, buildings etc) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation Government Promotion of low-carbon maritime system 800000000 In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the government will develop technologies to establish a production base for gas-fueled ships, study the upgrading of port functions to expand the use of next-generation energy, promote the introduction of offshore wind power generation, and support the introduction of innovative construction machinery.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/content/001378258.pdf Accessed 6 January 2021
Japan National Clean conditional Subsidy for installation of clean energy cars that can be used in disasters Mobility Multiple energy types Budget or off-budget transfer ... 34652306.251463 2020121414/12/2020 Electricity generation Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Government Promotion of EV/FCV 3700000000 The current subsidy is 400,000 yen for the purchase of an EV. With the amendment, the subsidy will be increased to 600,000 yen for a set of EV and charging/discharging equipment, and 800,000 yen where the buyers' home or office is supplied with 100% renewable electricity.

https://www.meti.go.jp/main/yosan/yosan_fy2020/hosei/pdf/hosei3_yosan_pr.pdf Accessed 6 Jan 2021.
Japan National Clean conditional Fund for continuous support for the development of innovative technologies for carbon neutrality Multiple sectors Multiple energy types Budget or off-budget transfer ... 18730976352.142 2020121414/12/2020 Several energy stages Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Government NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) will set up a fund to develop technologies in key areas essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 including electrification and greening of electricity, realization of a hydrogen-based society, and CO2 fixation and recycling and will continue to support R&D projects for technology development and social implementation for the next 10 years. 2000000000000 NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) will set up a fund to develop technologies in key areas essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 including electrification and greening of electricity, realization of a hydrogen-based society, and CO2 fixation and recycling and will continue to support R&D projects for technology development and social implementation for the next 10 years.

https://www.meti.go.jp/main/yosan/yosan_fy2020/hosei/pdf/hosei3_yosan_pr.pdf Accessed 6 Jan 2021
Japan National Clean conditional Promotion of local production and consumption of livestock biomass energy Multiple sectors Biofuels and waste Budget or off-budget transfer ... 9234371.3416062 2020121414/12/2020 Several energy stages Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Government Promotion of biofuels 986000000 Support the introduction of facilities and machinery such as biogas plants that utilize livestock waste in order to promote local production for local consumption of energy in order to realize a green society (carbon neutral).

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/budget/pdf/r2hosei3_juten.pdf Accessed 6 January 2020
Japan National Clean unconditional Zero Carbon City Renewable Energy Enhancement Advance Support Package Multiple sectors Multiple renewable Budget or off-budget transfer ... 187309763.52142 2020121414/12/2020 Several energy stages Ministry of the Environment Government Promotion of RE at local sites 20000000000 Planning for maximum introduction of renewable energy into cities and the training of local human resources to build and maintain this: (1) Promote the introduction of independent and distributed renewable energy for evacuation shelters, (2) Promote local renewable energy through on-site PPA (power purchase agreement), (3) Build independent and decentralized regional renewable energy systems.

https://www.env.go.jp/guide/budget/r02/r02-hos_03-gaiyo/gaiyo.pdf Accessed 6 Jan 2020
Japan National Fossil unconditional Project to accelerate the simultaneous introduction of renewable electricity and electric vehicles a... Mobility Multiple renewable Budget or off-budget transfer ... 74923905.408569 2020121414/12/2020 Energy use (all energy types, consumption in transport, household use, buildings etc) Ministry of the Environment Government In order to accelerate the spread of electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, FCVs), including their use as "moving storage batteries," the government will provide short-term and intensive support for the introduction of electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, along with the spread of renewable energy, as a pioneer of a zero-carbon lifestyle and work style. At the same time, the government will promote the development of charging and discharging facilities at national parks and other utilization sites, including other projects. 8000000000 In order to accelerate the spread of electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, FCVs), including their use as "moving storage batteries," the government will provide short-term and intensive support for the introduction of electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, along with the spread of renewable energy, as a pioneer of a zero-carbon lifestyle and work style. At the same time, the government will promote the development of charging and discharging facilities at national parks and other utilization sites, including other projects. The program provides subsidies to individuals, private businesses (small and medium-sized enterprises), local governments, and other entities that purchase electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles, with the requirement that they procure 100% renewable electricity for their homes and offices.

https://www.env.go.jp/guide/budget/r02/r02-hos_03-gaiyo/gaiyo.pdf
http://www.env.go.jp/air/post_56.html Accessed 6 January 2020
Japan National Clean unconditional Prime Minister’s pledge for carbon neutrality by 2050 Multiple sectors Multiple energy types Budget or off-budget transfer ... 2020102626/10/2020 Exploration or production or processing or storage or transportation Government At the 203rd Session of the Diet, Prime Minister Suga declared "My administration will devote itself to the greatest possible extent to bring about a green society, while focusing on a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment as a pillar of our growth strategy. We hereby declare that by 2050 Japan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero, that is, to realize a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society. Addressing climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth. We need to adjust our mindset to a paradigm shift that proactive climate change measures bring transformation of industrial structures as well as our economy and society, leading to dynamic economic growth." In the same speech Prime Minister Suga also mentioned "We will also drastically change our longstanding policies on coal-fired power generation."

https://japan.kantei.go.jp/99_suga/statement/202010/_00006.html Accessed 18 November 2020
Japan National Fossil unconditional Guarantee for Loans to ANA by Private Financial Institutions for Importing Aircraft Mobility Oil and oil products Loan guarantee (Hybrid) 801685787.87169 2020063030/06/2020 Energy use (all energy types, consumption in transport, household use, buildings etc) Japan Bank for International Cooperation Government Primary: support airline company's import of air craft in the context of operational difficulty under C-19. 85600000000 Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) provides this guarantee in order to support ANA in obtaining financing from private financial institutions to import 6 aircraft from The Boeing Company in the U.S. and Airbus S.A.S. in France. It will contribute to maintaining and improving the international competitiveness of the Japanese aviation industry.

https://www.jbic.go.jp/en/information/press/press-2020/0630-013535.html
Japan National Fossil unconditional Guarantee for Loans to Japan Airlines (JAL) by Private Financial Institutions for Importing Aircraft Mobility Oil and oil products Loan guarantee (Hybrid) 827909154.76469 2020060909/06/2020 Energy use (all energy types, consumption in transport, household use, buildings etc) Japan Bank for International Cooperation Government Primary: support airline company's import of air craft in the context of operational difficulty under C-19. 88400000000 Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) provides this guarantee in order to support JAL in obtaining financing from private financial institutions to import 8 aircraft from The Boeing Company in the U.S. and Airbus S.A.S. in France. It will contribute to maintaining and improving the international competitiveness of the Japanese aviation industry.

https://www.jbic.go.jp/en/information/press/press-2020/0609-013422.html
Japan National Fossil unconditional Extension of temporary relief of automobile tax and light vehicle tax environmental performance fee Mobility Oil and oil products Tax or royalty or govt fee bre... 2020042020/04/2020 Energy use (all energy types, consumption in transport, household use, buildings etc) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Government to reduce the negative impacts of the COVID-19-related restrictions on the economy The applicable rates of the differentiated automobile tax/light vehicle environmental performance fee were reduced by one per centage point. Since the tax is levied locally, the national government committed to compensate local budgets for the losses.

https://web.archive.org/web/20200618073700/
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000686227.pdf
https://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai1/keizaitaisaku/2020/20200420_economic_measures_all.pdf
Japan National Clean unconditional Support for on-site solar power generation Power generation Solar Budget or off-budget transfer ... 46827440.880356 2020060808/06/2020 Electricity generation Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Government Support clean, disaster-proof energy 5000000000 Support the installation of self-consumption, on-site solar power generation facilities through PPA. Also includes support for supply chain reform and domestic investment in production bases.

https://www.env.go.jp/guide/budget/r02/r0204-hos-gaiyo/005.pdf Accessed 8 June 2020

Research

G20 countries
Select countries in Asia-Pacific
Select countries in Europe
Select countries in Latin America
Select non-OECD countries
Select OECD-countries
Argentina
Australia
Bangladesh
Brazil
Canada
China
Colombia
European Institutions
Finland
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
Mexico
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Republic of Korea
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
The Netherlands
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Vietnam