IRM National Reference Series: Japan: An evaluation of government-sponsored energy conservation research and development
Despite the recent drop in world oil prices, the Japanese government is continuing to stress energy conservation, because Japan relies on imports for 85% of its total energy requirements and virtually 100% of its petroleum. Japan stresses long-term developments and sees conservation as an integral part of its 50- to 100-year transition from fossil fuels to nuclear and renewable sources of energy. The Japanese government is targeting new materials, biotechnology, and electronics technologies as the foundation of Japan's economy in the 21st century. Most government research programs in Japan are governed by aggressive timetables and fixed technical goals and are usually guaranteed funding over a 5- to 10-year period. Of the major energy conservation research programs, the best known is the Moonlight Project, administered by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and oriented towards end-use technologies such as Stirling engines and advanced heat pumps. Parts of MITI's Basic Technologies for Future Industries Program involve research in new materials and bioreactors. The Science and Technology Agency's Exploratory Research in Advanced Technologies (ERATO) Program is also investigating these technologies while emphasizing basic research. Other ministries supporting research related to energy conservation are the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture and the Ministry of Construction. For 1985, government spending for energy conservation research was at least $50 million. Private sector funding of energy conservation research was $500 million in 1984. A brief outline of major programs and key participants is included for several of the most relevant technologies. An overview of Japan's experience in international scientific collaboration is also included.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6301082
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-6237; ON: DE87013984
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
COORDINATED RESEARCH PROGRAMS
JAPAN
CERAMICS
COMBUSTION
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
FUEL CELLS
GAS TURBINES
HEAT PUMPS
HEAT TRANSFER
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
MATERIALS
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
STIRLING ENGINES
TRIBOLOGY
ASIA
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COOPERATION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
MACHINERY
OXIDATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
320000* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
290500 - Energy Planning & Policy- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization