124. The challenging Energy Transition of Japan - Mar24
Redefining Energy18 Mars 2024

124. The challenging Energy Transition of Japan - Mar24

“It’s hard to play a good game when you have been served weak cards”. This is the perennial challenge of Japan when it comes to the Energy Transition. And the game is getting harder when your two main choices, nuclear and hydrogen, are proving extremely costly in a world of cheap renewables.

How robust is a business model based on a protected internal market with high margins and limited competition allowing Japan Inc. to expand abroad at super competitive prices, but stifling innovation and diversification? Japan is “Prisoner of its geography” (to quote Tim Marshall); thankfully its answer has been a world class level of engineering allowing to partially overcome its shortcomings.

And Gerard, during his recent trip to Japan, has witnessed some extraordinary achievements in the energy transition in the downstream sector, with extreme energy efficiency, retail innovations, and digital developments.

We have the pleasure to welcome Shuichiro Kawamura, who heads one of the rare investments’ funds focusing on the Energy Transition. Established in 2006, Energy & Environment Investment (EEI) is Japan's first VC firm solely dedicated to the energy and environment sectors. They support startups with innovative technologies and services in this space, aiming to drive sustainable growth and positive global impact. As of Q1_24, the AUM of EEI is around US$500MM, with more than 130 portfolio companies. There is no easy formula in Japan. Only the smarts will survive.

We thank our friends and partners AQUILA CAPITAL for supporting our show.

Avsnitt(185)

194. Next-Gen Weather Forecasting: AI, Satellites, and Drones - Sep25

194. Next-Gen Weather Forecasting: AI, Satellites, and Drones - Sep25

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193. The Seven Deadly Sins of the Energy Transition

Three wise men met and discussed the Seven Sins of The Energy Transition. Laurent, Gerard and Michael dissect seven sectors that have captured attention, investments and public money and are at best d...

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192. How AI will revolutionise Energy

192. How AI will revolutionise Energy

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191. “How Big Things Get Done” with Pr. Bent Flyvbjerg (hosted by Michael Barnard)

191. “How Big Things Get Done” with Pr. Bent Flyvbjerg (hosted by Michael Barnard)

This is a re-release of the legendary interview by Michael Barnard of Pr Bent Flyvbjerg on our sister show ”Redefining Energy Tech” Professor Bent Flyvbjerg, an expert on megaprojects and author of Ho...

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190. Solar and Flex – Solar Power Summit 2025

190. Solar and Flex – Solar Power Summit 2025

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189.  Energy Disruptions - (Gerard on "Clean Titans")

189. Energy Disruptions - (Gerard on "Clean Titans")

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188.  US/Petrostate vs EU/Electrostate – a joint episode with Open Circuit

188. US/Petrostate vs EU/Electrostate – a joint episode with Open Circuit

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187. Texas: Power Surge or Power Splurge? - Jul25

Texas is an oddity in the western electricity world: fastest growing load, ultra-low prices, crazy development of renewables. Texas consumes now more power than France, despite having only half the po...

21 Juli 202526min

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