5th Strategic Energy Plan Setting Tone for Japan’s Future Energy Mix – Doubt on Nuclear/Coal Power Plant; Reemphasize Importance of Renewables for Japan’s Future Energy –

I. Introduction
At least every three years in Japan, the national government is required by the Basic Act of Energy Policy to review its existing strategic energy plan regarding energy supply and demand (the “Strategic Energy Plan”) and make amendments as necessary. On May 16, 2018, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (“METI”) officially announced a draft of the 5th Strategic Energy Plan, and conducted an open public consultation process from May 19, 2018 to June 17, 2018. After having reviewed and taken all the received submissions into consideration, METI sought approval from the Cabinet and officially announced the 5th Strategic Energy Plan approved by the Cabinet (the “5th Plan”) on July 3, 2018.

Although the Strategic Energy Plan itself does not have binding legal power over the general public or obligates administrative agencies to take specific actions, it imposes a general obligation on the national government to make necessary efforts to arrange the smooth implementation of the Strategic Energy Plan (for example, by appropriations in its budget each fiscal year) and is considered one of the most important documents setting forth the energy policy of the Japanese government.

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