Renewable Energy

Japan is one of the most advanced innovators in renewable and new energy technology, undertaking huge amounts of research and development in these areas. Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese lost confidence in nuclear energy and sought to restructure their energy sector, with renewable energy being one of their options.

Japan’s Renewables Development Plans Face Challenges, 2011

The country’s renewable energy policy was reviewed and extended through legislation passed in 2009, as well as a Basic Energy Plan passed in 2010. Following the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011, the Japanese government released, in September 2012, its Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment, the aim of which was to reduce the country’s reliance on nuclear power. The new strategy called for renewable power generation to increase threefold from 2010, which would amount to about 30% of total power generation.

World Energy Outlook 2012: Renewable Energy Outlook, 2012

According to Business Monitor International, the renewable energy sector in Japan will continue to grow in 2014, particularly in solar energy. This is driven mainly by Japan’s high feed-in tariff for renewable energy sources. There are however several contingent factors which may alter this outcome, such as a reduction in the feed-in-tariff, or an ongoing shortage in grid infrastructure which could affect the construction of renewable energy installations.

Business Monitor International, Japan Renewables Forecast Stable As Assumptions Remain Relevant, 2013

In addition to the newly-introduced feed-in tariffs system for solar, wind power and other renewable energy forms, the Japanese government created further subsidy mechanisms such as loans, investment grants and tax reductions.

World Energy Outlook 2012: Renewable Energy Outlook, 2012

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Hydroelectricity
• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Bio Energy
• Expert Reports
• Annual Report
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs