Japan's proposed energy policy - how will it affect Australia's energy and resources sector?

Key Points:

Any changes in Japan's energy strategy are likely to have a profound effect on Australian energy exports for many years to come.

On 14 September 2012, Japan's Energy and Environment Council released its long-awaited energy report titled "Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment", which called for, amongst other things, the phase-out of nuclear power in Japan by 2040.

Since the Report's release, the Japanese Cabinet has been ambiguous as to whether it will approve the energy policy set out in the Report, stating only that it would "take into account" the recommendations of the Report in formulating its energy strategy. Notably, the Cabinet refused to endorse a 2040 deadline for the phase out of nuclear power.