Japan’s energy mix is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, which accounted for approximately 65–70% of electricity generation in 2023–2024, primarily from liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal. While nuclear power is gradually recovering to 8–9% post-Fukushima, renewables (mainly solar) have increased to over 25% of the power mix. The nation aims to reduce emissions by boosting nuclear to 20% and renewables to 40-50% by 2040.

Japan is a global leader in hydrogen technology, accounting for 24% of worldwide hydrogen-related patent applications. As of February 2026, the country is transitioning from pilot demonstrations to large-scale commercialization, backed by a $100 billion public-private investment plan over the next 15 years. Japan’s Basic Hydrogen Strategy (updated June 2023) and the GX (Green Transformation) 2040 Vision (upgraded February 2025) outline the following consumption goals: 3 million tons per year by 2030; 20 million tons per year by 2050.

The 16MW Suntory Kakushu green hydrogen plant, the largest in Japan, went online as of Oct. 2025 (demo through 2026), and the Kawasaki LH2 Terminal, the country’s first liquid hydrogen import facility, started construction in November 2025, operational by 2030.