Purpose

Given the need to simultaneously secure a stable energy supply, preserve the environment, and achieve efficiency (i.e., market liberalization), the purpose of this study is to systematically and quantitatively describe realistic energy futures while paying due attention to changes in social and economic structures. This study assumes three cases: "reference, " "low growth, " and "enhanced environmental measures. " In view of current economic and social situations and policies, the reference case presents a future under more realistic assumptions. On the other hand, the low-growth case assumes a prolonged structural recession and stagnant economy until 2010. The enhanced environmental measures case assumes, in addition to current policy measures, that energy conservation and increased use of new energy sources will be further promoted successfully (roughly the goal set by the government)