Survey Overview This is a resource and energy security survey report (Report Number: 1000065) conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in FY2024. It analyzes Japan's energy and resource securing strategies and stable supply system construction in response to rising geopolitical risks.
Security Challenges Oil and natural gas dependence on the Middle East is high at 90.3% and 37.1% respectively, raising concerns about supply disruption risks. For critical mineral resources, China dependence is at high levels of 58.7% for lithium and 83.4% for rare earth, facing national security threats.
Supply Source Diversification Strategy Energy mix optimization will be promoted through diversification of fossil fuel procurement sources, promotion of renewable energy domestication, and continued utilization of nuclear power with safety assurance. Strengthening long-term LNG procurement contracts, reducing Middle East dependence, and building relationships with emerging producing countries will be pursued.
Critical Mineral Security Establishing stable procurement systems for rare earth, lithium, cobalt and other materials essential for semiconductor manufacturing is urgent. Comprehensive response to supply disruption risks will be pursued through strengthening resource diplomacy, sophistication of domestic recycling technologies, promotion of alternative material development, and expansion of strategic reserves.
Expected Effects The goal is to strengthen stable supply systems for resources and energy through 20% improvement in energy security index, achieving 70% diversification rate of critical mineral procurement sources, and 50% improvement in domestic recycling rate.