Summer Playlist 2025 Episode 10 | Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency (IEA)

In this episode of SmarterMarkets™, host Dave Greely interviews Nobuo Tanaka, former Executive Director at the International Energy Agency, about the energy trilemma—balancing energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability—and its impact on Japan and Korea. Tanaka discusses how the energy landscape has evolved since his time at the IEA, emphasizing the increasing complexity of energy policy due to geopolitical shifts and climate change concerns. He highlights the challenges faced by Japan and Korea as energy importers with limited renewable resources, and explores the potential of LNG, nuclear power, and hydrogen as sustainable and secure energy sources. The conversation also delves into the difficulties of gaining public acceptance for nuclear energy in Japan post-Fukushima, and proposes innovative solutions like small modular reactors and advanced waste treatment technologies. Finally, Tanaka shares insights into his daughter's book, "Between Words, A Friendship Tale," underscoring the importance of global understanding and communication in addressing global challenges.