Germany and Japan carry out joint research for energy transition

Germany and Japan face similar challenges in the development of their energy industries: Both highly industrialized countries are aiming to achieve a resource- and climate-friendly energy supply. At the same time, their aim is to promote the ecological modernization further while securing their international ability to compete. In order to meet these challenges, the GJETC was formed in 2016. The expert panel focuses on scientific stock and transformation analyses for both countries on systems, technologies and policies of the energy transition. As such it provides an important stimulus for politics and the economy.

Professor Dr Peter Hennicke, the German chairman of the GJETC and former president of the Wuppertal institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, expects the council’s work to be of great use to society: “With the GJETC Japan and Germany launch an unprecedented project of knowledge exchange and joint research on the energy transition. The mutual experience of good examples can enhance motivation and speed up the implementation processes.”

Renowned experts have been appointed to the committee. In the council, both countries are each represented by six energy experts and three associated members. Apart from organisational agreements on rules of procedure, the agenda in Tokyo contains first decisions on topics of a study program. The program thereby includes five core topics.

First, the energy transition is seen as the basis for a future industrial policy, including energy and resource efficiency. Second, the strategic goals and framework conditions of the energy transition, with regard to socio-cultural aspects are going to be dealt with. The third topic emphasizes the structuring of the energy market and sustainable electricity market design. In addition to that, the reallocation of roles and business segments between existing and new players in the energy system represent a further important core topic. Last but not least the focus of the fifth topic is the technical system developments and new technologies on the path to the energy transition.

Beside the scientific work, a regular exchange of views with players in politics and the economy is part of the council’s work. At so-called “Stakeholder Dialogues” council members will get together as a first step with representatives of international companies such as Daimler, Tepco or Enercon. Professor Masakazu Toyoda, the Japanese Chairman of the GJETC and the Chairman and CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), emphasized: “The goal of the council is to bring together the vision and the knowledge of experts from business and academia with scientific findings. For a successful energy transition, the vigorous actions of social players are essential.”