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2020 | Buch

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The Ecological Modernization Capacity of Japan and Germany

Comparing Nuclear Energy, Renewables, Automobility and Rare Earth Policy

herausgegeben von: Dr. Lutz Mez, Dr. Lila Okamura, Dr. Helmut Weidner

Verlag: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Buchreihe : Energiepolitik und Klimaschutz. Energy Policy and Climate Protection

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

Cognitive-strategic capabilities of a country are decisive for overcoming the strong path dependence in climate-related policies and to achieve ecological and economic modernization. This is the result of a unique comparison approach focusing on four highly intertwined policy areas (Automobiles, Nuclear Energy, Renewables and Rare Earth) in Japan and Germany. Both countries have in principle sufficient economic, technological and institutional capacities for an ecological transformation, but they are lacking an integrated policy strategy to mobilize and organize the existing capacities in favor of structural changes. The focused four policy areas are analyzed in depth and compared by experts from political science.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Introduction and Research Approach

Abstract

The late 1960s saw the beginning of an intense debate on the societal consequences of environmental disruption and resource depletion. A considerable number of environmental action groups, journalists, and social scientists took the view that the existing institutional system was unable to prevent the emergence of ecological crises (Helfrich 1971, Roos 1971). Japan was even thought to be committing “ecological hara-kiri” (Tsuru & Weidner 1989).

Helmut Weidner, Lutz Mez, Lila Okamura

Ecological Modernization – a Paradise of Feasibility but no General Solution

Abstract

Ecological Modernization (EM) intends to preserve or restore environmental quality by resource-efficient innovation. Today there are several synonyms or similar concepts such as, “eco-innovation”, “green development” “green growth”, or transition towards “green economy” (OECD 2011; UNEP 2011). This environmental policy approach has meanwhile become a well-established strategy and stimulated nothing less than a real Global Industrial Revolution.

Martin Jänicke

Ups and Downs in Environmental Policy: Japan and Germany in Comparison

Abstract

Japan, once a forerunner in environmental and energy policy, became a laggard especially in climate change and energy policy (but belongs to the forerunners in “rare earth”-policy and electrification of automobiles). Germany turned from a late-comer in environmental policy to a pioneer in climate and energy policy (especially “renewables”) and became the first large industrial country phasing-out nuclear energy. These Ups and Downs in environmental policy will be explained by the capacity building approach, focusing economic-technological, institutional and cognitive-strategic capacities of proponents of progressive environmental policy.

Helmut Weidner

Energy Policy in Japan

Abstract

Japan embraced nuclear energy as early as the mid-1950s, and developed its nuclear industry to achieve the world’s third largest nuclear energy capacity (behind the United States and France) prior to the Fukushima accident. Japan spent many years pursuing nuclear fuel reprocessing in hope of establishing a closed nuclear cycle. Japan’s post-war energy policy is intrinsically linked to its nuclear policy. This chapter thus provides a broad overview of Japan’s energy policy, and consequently of the country’s nuclear energy policy since 1955.

Lila Okamura

Energiewende in Germany – the Dawn of a New Energy Era

Abstract

The original energy policy of the Federal Republic of Germany could be equated with coal policy. The policy of these early years was followed in the second phase by a half-hearted attempt to counteract the crowding-out strategies of the oil multinationals. In the third phase, petroleum was accepted as a “cheap” energy source and in 1973 nuclear power was accorded top priority in the nation’s first coordinated overall energy policy.

Lutz Mez

Nuclear Waste Management in Japan

Abstract

Prior to the Fukushima accident, Japan was the world’s third largest producer of nuclear energy. Japan had promoted nuclear power generation in order to ensure a safe energy source and to combat climate change. In 2010 the nation’s 54 nuclear reactors generated 288 TWh (288 billion kilowatt hours), accounting for almost 30% of Japan’s total output (World Nuclear Association 2015).

Lila Okamura

Rise and Fall of the Nuclear Dream in Germany

Abstract

In Germany, nuclear policy was initially quite central to German industrial policy and then to national energy policy and later also to German environmental policy. Nuclear and related energy policy decisions were made and coordinated for the most part at the national level as part of the coalition party politics and its need for reasonable consensus both within the party structure but also regarding accommodations with Germany’s sectoral corporatist interest group structure. Environmental concerns are since the 1970s deeply embedded in German society and politics The Chernobyl nuclear accident galvanized these environmental concerns in a very energy-focused way and finally paved the way to the nuclear phase-out agreement.

Lutz Mez

Renewable Energy in Japan

Abstract

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident revealed the vulnerability of Japan’s electricity supply system and triggered an awareness for the effectiveness of locally distributed energy systems. Although the Japanese government began adopting renewable energy policies in the 1970s, it was only after the feed-in tariff (FIT) system for renewable energy was launched in July 2012 that the introduction of renewable energy would genuinely gather pace.

Lila Okamura

40 Years Promoting Renewable Energy in Germany

Abstract

A historical account of German RES-E policy will be given, focused in particular on the evolution of feed-in legislation after 1990 and the recent policy of the Energiewende. After the first oil price crisis of RES-E policy was devoted to R&D. Market creation measures only came in the end of the 1980s; of these, the Electricity Feed-In Law was the most important. During the 1990s, it managed to survive, but several amendments were adopted.

Lutz Mez

The Future of the Japanese Automotive Industry

Abstract

According to the president of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, the Japanese automobile industry faces a “life-or-death battle” (Akio Toyoda 2018). The ongoing “CASE” (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) revolution of automotive mobility requires an all-out transformation of car designs, production and technologies, as well as partnerships and services. Compared to their global peers, necessary changes in the industry seem to be especially challenging in Japan.

Martin Schulz

Market and Technology Trends for the Automotive Future in Germany

Abstract

The automotive industry plays an enormous economic role in Germany. After decades of success, it is facing today major challenges. These are first of all ongoing driveline innovations and the transformation of the industry’s business model. The most important technical drivers are the electrification of the driveline and the digitalisation of transport processes.

Weert Canzler

Rare Earth Strategies of Japan and EU/Germany

Abstract

Today many high-tech technologies – including those in the automotive, renewables and defense sectors – depend on rare earths. The unique properties of rare earths increase efficiency and performance, they are key for a green energy future. Comparing the rare earth strategies of Japan and Germany/EU shows that leading industrialized countries have chosen different strategies.

Lutz Mez

Findings of the Research Project

Abstract

Industrial countries like Japan and Germany have pledged to integrate more systematically ecological considerations in their overall policies and to develop lowcarbon oriented climate policies. But obviously there exist a rather large gap between the official goals and reality.

Helmut Weidner, Lutz Mez, Lila Okamura

Backmatter

Titel: The Ecological Modernization Capacity of Japan and Germany
herausgegeben von: Dr. Lutz Mez
Dr. Lila Okamura
Dr. Helmut Weidner
Verlag: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-658-27405-4
Print ISBN: 978-3-658-27404-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-27405-4