Building a new energy network in North East Asia - a perspective from post-Fukushima Japan

SHIBUTANI Yu

Energy Geopolitics Limited of Japan (EGLJ), Tomioka 2-2-15-302, Chiba 279-0021 Japan
Research Institute for Strategy of Natural Resources, Waseda University (shibutaniyu@aol.com)

Abstract: The accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) has accelerated Japan’s drive for less dependence on nuclear and fossil energy and more green renewables, which inevitably require a new energy strategy. In this paper, a new strategic scenario for moving “beyond a single economy” is proposed to incorporate Japan with the North East Asian (NEA) energy market in regards to its electricity grid and natural gas pipeline network while preserving nuclear power by strengthening safety. Suggestions are also made that Japan should open more doors for new comers in a manner of open-access towards member economies of NEA. However, there are persistent geopolitical constraints and risks in NEA. The connection of Japan's energy network to its regional neighbors would avoid the tendrils and tentacles of geopolitics that wrap around NEA, and subsequently provide opportunities to build on common energy interests.
Keywords: electricity grid; pipeline network; geopolitics; Asia-pacific; energy network