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Japan’s new energy strategy and potential effects on European and Global energy markets

Japan has historically struggled with managing the structure of its energy supplies because of a shortage of domestic natural resources. This problem was compounded by the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake and its impact on nuclear power generation in Japan. Its dramatic increased use of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) has had an inevitable impact on global markets and on the price of LNG.

Recently the Government of Japan introduced a new strategic energy plan which will be an anchor for reforming the demand and supply structure of the Japanese market. This new approach will inevitably have an impact in the Asia-Pacific region, but it will also affect energy in Europe.

We will be delighted to hear the Japanese viewpoint on global energy security and Japan’s new strategic plan from Toshi Okuya, from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. He will also reflect on recent geopolitical developments and their potential effects on global energy markets.

Speakers

  • Toshikazu Okuya, Director, Energy Supply/Demand Policy Office, The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
  • Chair: Guntram Wolff, Director, Bruegel

About the speaker

Mr. Toshikazu Okuya is the Director for the Energy Supply/Demand Policy Office, The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. He covers mid-long term energy policy and energy security, and has been in charge of drafting the 4th Strategic Energy Plan, which has just been adopted by a cabinet decision on April 11, 2014. He started his career in METI in 1995. Previously to his current position, he worked in the United States to facilitate Japan-US cooperation in various fields like energy security, nuclear nonproliferation, international trade, defense and industrial corporation. He has a variety of experiences at METI, helping Japanese and Singaporean industries to penetrate Southeast and South Asian markets, promoting the IT industry, reforming industrial standards including the energy sector and analyzing the Japanese macroeconomics. He graduated from Tokyo University's, and John F. Kennedy School of government, Harvard University.

Practical details

  • Venue: Bruegel, Rue de la Charité 33, 1210 Brussels
  • Time: Friday 27 June, 12.45-14.30 (Lunch will be served at 12.45 after which the event begins at 13.00)
  • Contact: Matilda Sevón, Events Manager - [email protected]