Japan policy recommendations

Modelling by the International Energy Agency shows that G7 advanced economies must reach net zero emissions for their electricity sectors by 2035, and triple installed renewables capacity by 2030, in order to reach net zero globally by 2050.

At COP28 Japan was one of over 100 countries to commit to tripling globally installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 from 2022 levels, marking an important step in its efforts to align with a 1.5°C world and hit its own 2050 net zero target. RE100 suggests setting a target for Japan to triple its installed renewable energy capacity from 121GW in 2022 to 363GW by 2035, at the latest, in the forthcoming 7th Strategic Energy Plan. This takes into consideration the current policy landscape, IGES 1.5°C roadmap research, and local challenges for Japan.

To achieve this target, over 420 of the world’s biggest and most influential corporates, including 87 headquartered Japanese companies, call on the Japanese government to take our policy recommendations into account.

Open statement

In this open statement, over 60 RE100 members call for greater ambition and more concrete action from the Japanese government. Outlined in the letter are the following priority actions as identified by RE100 members, alongside the full RE100 Japan Policy Recommendations. The open statement is also available in Japanese.

1. Implement policies promoting transparent and fair electricity prices, aiming to improve the cost-effectiveness of renewable electricity generation and pricing. 
2. Improve access to Physical and Virtual Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by establishing streamlined processes and removing barriers for buyers and suppliers. 
3. Prioritise grid upgrades and operational improvements to speed up the connection time for new renewables projects and maximise usage of existing renewables to avoid curtailment.

Adoption of our recommendations will help mobilise domestic and international private investment on renewables. These investments will enable Japan to seize the opportunities of the energy transition and gain recognition as a global leader in the green transition. 

RE100 was encouraged by the ambition shown in the 6th Strategic Energy Plan (2021), increasing the renewable target from 22-24% to 36-38% and the clear market signal this sent on ambition for a grid powered by renewables. However, Japan's ambition on renewables is still significantly behind other G7 economies and RE100 members annually cite Japan as one of the top two most challenging markets to procure renewables. 

To learn more about RE100's policy engagement work in Japan, click here.