Vol.20-1 (July 2025)
Humanity’s Love & Hate Toward Energy
Kenichiro Mizoguchi, President of HRI
From the campfires of the primitive era to modern nuclear power, humanity has both advanced technologically and struggled in securing energy. In 1905, Einstein’s famous equation E = mc², a byproduct of his special theory of relativity, revealed that the energy contained in matter is roughly 90 trillion・・・
AI, Digital, and Energy Toward 2035: A New Era of Collaboration and Emerging Challenges
Nobumitsu Aiki
Senior Researcher, Policy and Environment Research Group,1st Research Department
Shuntaro Ishii
Associate Senior Researcher, Global Business Strategy Group, 2nd Research Department
The pursuit of energy transition—a shift in the energy supply and consumption structure from fossil fuels to renewable energy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality or decarbonization—was a dominant global trend following the Paris Agreement of 2015. At present, however, the confluence of global・・・
Trump’s Return and the Renewed Attempt to Dismantle the Administrative State
Ayako Sugino
Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Musashino University
The second Trump administration is rapidly advancing a fossil fuel–centered energy policy through executive orders and deregulating environmental protections. In addition to facing challenges such as conflicts with Congress and states, as well as questions over legal legitimacy, it is also grappling with funding shortages and a lack of skilled labor essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness. Going forward, attention will focus on education reform and measures to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.
EU Energy Policy Shifts Focus to the Industrial Competitiveness
Takuya Kurimura
Principal Researcher, Research Department, Japan Electric Power Information Center
The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, announced in 2025, emphasizes enhanced industrial competitiveness while maintaining its decarbonization goals. By promoting affordable energy, clean technology, and grid expansion, it aims to achieve both economic growth and climate change mitigation.
Energy Demand and Supply Outlook by the 7th Strategic Energy Plan of Japan
Yoshikazu Kobayashi
Senior Research Director, Research Strategy Unit, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan
The 7th Strategic Energy Plan, while maintaining the fundamental principles of previous energy policies, places greater emphasis on energy security and economic efficiency. This article proceeds to outline key points by comparing the revised plan with its predecessor. Furthermore, in light of the recent shift in electricity demand from a declining trend to an upward trajectory, this article discusses the necessity of developing a business environment capable of ensuring a stable and sufficient power supply.
Current Status and Challenges of Power Consumption in the Digital Industry in Japan
Go Matsuo
Managing Director, Energy Economics and Society Research Institute LLC.
With the advancement of digital technology, the electricity demand for data centers is rapidly increasing, but their locations tend to be concentrated in specific regions. In addition to the issue of insufficient power supply from power plants, there are challenges related to the capacity of distribution facilities such as transmission lines and substations that support Japan's digital industry.
Challenges and Opportunities at the Intersection of AI and Energy
Joseph Majkut, Program Director
Cy McGeady, Fellow
Avrey Callis, Intern
Energy Security and Climate Change Program, CSIS
The AI boom is driving unprecedented electricity demand growth in the U.S., especially from data centers. To maintain its technological leadership in the field of AI, the U.S. must accelerate power deployment—especially solar power, gas-fired generation, and energy storage systems—while planning long-term solutions like advanced nuclear power generation and transmission upgrades. Balancing short-term urgency with sustainable growth is essential for economic and strategic success in an AI-driven era.
Harnessing AI’s Potential to Optimize T&D Grid Operations
Bo Yang
Vice President of Energy Solution Lab., R&D Division, Hitachi America, Ltd.
Energy Solution Lab (ESL), a division within Hitachi America Ltd.'s R&D department, was launched in 2017. Our team focuses on developing next-generation digital energy technologies. Based in California, we actively collaborate with federal and state governments, as well as utilities and research partners across the U.S., further strengthening・・・
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