Roundtable: A Japan-Denmark Dialogue on Green Transition and Energy Security

In recent years, Japan has made significant strides in advancing its renewable energy market. However, the country still faces many challenges in integrating renewable sources, managing energy demand, and ensuring a stable energy supply.

On Friday, May 9th, the Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan presents A Japan-Denmark Dialogue on Green Transition and Energy Security event. Industry leaders and experts from Denmark and Japan, specializing in green energy generation, renewable solutions, energy efficiency, and policies, will share their experiences in the Japanese market and offer insights into its current state and future potential.

This roundtable will explore key developments, opportunities, and challenges in Japan’s green energy market, as well as ongoing contributions to enhancing Japan’s energy security. The dialogue will also examine how Denmark’s green diplomacy complements Japan’s energy strategy, focusing on mutual challenges and opportunities in the local, and global energy transformation.

Panelists

• Jacob Navarro Rasmussen, Minister-Counsellor for Economic Diplomacy – Energy, Embassy of Denmark in Japan

• Gunnar Svensson, Business Development Director, Climate Solutions, Danfoss Japan

• Ian Russell, Chief Operating Officer, Rockwool Japan

• Thomas Wibe Poulsen, Partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

• Nicklas Møller, Deputy Country Manager, Obton Japan

Moderator: Peter David Pederson, Professor, Shizenkan University

A Preview of Key Topics Covered

Jacob will present Denmark's renewable energy policies and strategies for strengthening energy security in Japan, and discuss Japan's Green Transformation (GX) strategy and the areas where Denmark's expertise aligns. Thomas will touch upon the opportunities CIP sees in Japan and how it differs from other developed countries where CIP is present, while focusing on sustainable energy infrastructure, and innovative financing for the low-carbon transition. Gunnar will focus on sector coupling/integration and how we can use energy more efficiently within society. The cleanest, cheapest, and most sustainable energy is the energy we don’t use — the Negawatt. Ian will also address "the energy never used," focusing on issues such as inefficient energy use, lack of modernization, and growing challenges like construction-related landfill waste in Japan. Nicklas will touch upon the challenges and opportunities of renewables development as a BESS/solar developer, facing a market wherein the transition from government supported schemes to a more market based approach is underway but not quite yet fully balanced.

Special thanks to Shizenkan University for venue support.

Agenda

17:00 – 17:05 Event Introduction

17:05 – 17:45 Panelist Introductions

17:45 – 18:30 Roundtable Discussion

18:30 – 18:45 Q&A

18:45 – 19:30 Networking

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 9th, 2025

Time: 17:00 - 19:30 (Door Opens at 16:45)

Location: Main Studio, 至善館 Shizenkan University, Graduate School of Leadership and Innovation

〒103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 2 Chome−5−1髙島屋三井ビルディング17階

Admission

DCCJ Members: JPY 3,500

Non-Members: JPY 5,500

*The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 at 15:00.

*Light refreshments will be served.

About the Panelists

Thomas Wibe Poulsen

Partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Ian Russell

Chief Operating Officer, Rockwool Japan

Jacob Navarro Rasmussen

Minister-Counsellor for Economic Diplomacy – Energy, Embassy of Denmark in Japan

Jacob Rasmussen joined the Danish Foreign Affairs in 2018 after a long versatile commercial experience within Energy, Sales and Business Development, Emerging market and Consulting. The all-round international experience in particular within the wind energy industry has provided the ability to focus on Danish experiences and advisory related to the energy transition to resolve key political and technical barriers for the successful build-out of Renewable Energy Farms. Jacob has been residing in Asia for the last +10 years and enjoys the challenges of bridging between Governmental and Commercial interests. Jacob holds a Master’s Degree in International Business from Aarhus University.

Gunnar Svensson

Business Development Director, Climate Solutions, Danfoss Japan

MSc (Uppsala University), Executive MBA (Henley Business School), Gunnar is a Swedish professional with 24 years of experience working in Japan. With 20 years in the cooling, heating, and energy sector, Gunnar has held various key positions at leading companies, including a decade at Danfoss, where he contributed across multiple roles. Today, he continues to leverage his expertise in the industry while drawing on his extensive experience.

Nicklas Møller

Deputy Country Manager, Obton Japan GK

Nicklas set up Obton’s subsidiary in 2021 and is responsible for day-to-day operations of Obton Japan GK, as well as asset management of PV-assets, while supporting primary M&A and project financing activities, and has been doing so for Obton since their first Japanese project in 2021. Obton has around 400+ MWp operating solar assets in Japan (2 GWp globally). Nicklas holds a BA in Business Administration and a double Master’s degree in Public Administration and Social Innovation from Copenhagen Business School.

About the Moderator

Prof. Peter David Pedersen

Professor, Shizenkan University

Born in Denmark, Peter has been a resident of Japan for over 34 years. He is an expert in corporate sustainability, sustainability leadership, innovation, and organizational resilience, with a focus on his original Triple A concept (Anchoring + Adaptiveness + Alignment) as the foundation for resilient organizations. Peter David is also the co-founder and Executive Director of NELIS – Next Leaders' Initiative for Sustainability, a global network of young sustainability leaders from all six continents. He serves on the board, as independent director, of Mitsubishi Electric, Meiji Holdings and Marui Group.