Energy at a crossroads: Japan caught between fossil fuel alliances and clean power blocs

In an exclusive interview with Energy Connects at the Japan Energy Summit and Exhibition, Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Chair of the Executive Committee for the event, laid out the stark reality facing Japan’s energy future. He warned of escalating Middle East tensions, rising electricity demand, and a deepening geopolitical divide between fossil fuel powers and clean energy champions. Nobuo called for urgent preparation, regional collaboration, and a balanced strategy to secure Japan’s energy and sustainability goals.