Japan’s reliance on thermal energy sources increased sharply following the Great East Japan Earthquake, as all nuclear power plants were closed until mid-2015. The government envisages that nuclear power will supply around 20% of electricity in 2030, compared to around 30% before the earthquake, which would reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The plan to enhance competition in the electricity sector will facilitate the use of renewable energy from its current low level and promote green growth. Japan's relatively low taxation of CO2-emitting fuels, especially in heating and industrial processing, could be increased.