Present status and points of discussion for future energy systems in Japan from the aspects of technology options

It has been an important target to realize a sustainable energy usage in the future, regardless of the country. Japan is now compelled to consider a new paradigm of energy policy due to the nuclear power plant failures after March 11, 2011. To discuss the ideal or a favorable future of Japan's energy, understanding the present status as well as the available energy options in the future will be an initial step, followed by discussion of the issues related to each option. The aim of this article is to summarize the present status of Japan's energy systems and to clarify the major points of discussions for the realization of future sustainable energy systems. In addition, the major options of both energy supply and demand sides are summarized. The issues for realizing the future energy systems are discussed from the large-scale penetration of renewable systems, the demand side energy management and savings, the mobility, and the centralized electricity grid viewpoints, to provide a common basis for the discussion of future energy systems in Japan.