This article explains "S+3E," the basic concept of Japan's energy policy.
"S+3E" refers to the approach of ensuring safety (Safety) as the fundamental prerequisite, prioritizing stable energy supply (Energy Security), and pursuing economic efficiency improvement (Economic Efficiency) and environmental compatibility (Environment). This concept is called "S+3E" (S-plus-Three-E) using the first letters of each element.
Japan faces geographical constraints including limited readily available resources and being surrounded by mountains and deep seas. Therefore, in energy policy, the basic perspective is to pursue the optimal balance of the three Es (energy security, economic efficiency, environmental compatibility) with safety assurance as the fundamental prerequisite.
This article is handled by the Research and Public Relations Office, Director-General's Secretariat, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, and is published as part of the "Economic Terms You Should Know" series in METI Journal ONLINE.
The article succinctly explains that Japan's energy policy must balance three elements with safety as the premise, considering geographical constraints.