Evaluation of green paradox: Case study of Japan

Abstract

Introducing renewable energy is progressing rapidly in various countries. It has long been thought that the introducing is not only extending the availability period of fossil fuels but also not directly discharging harmful substances into the atmosphere. In recent years, a concept of “Green Paradox” casts doubt on that ideas. According to the concept, the renewable energy introducing accelerates fossil fuels consumption and promotes the increase of harmful substances due to the consumption. Because the number of papers evaluating the Green Paradox is limited and evaluation method is not well established. This paper attempts to evaluate the Green Paradox in Japan following three indicators. The first is the electricity charge, the second is the introduction amount of renewable energy, and the third is the relocation amount of Japanese factories to other countries.