Japan’s renewable power is set to account for 34.6 percent of the generation mix in 2030, which is close to the target, says GlobalData report.
Japan has increased its renewable power (including hydropower) generation target from the previous 22-24 percent to 36-38 percent by 2030, according to the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan in October 2021.
Japan faces specific challenges for the expansion of renewable power capacity.
Since the grid is in the hands of various local utilities, connection charges are high. This is compounded by the fact that the rules for setting up renewable projects are cumbersome, and it takes three or four years to clear all regulatory hurdles.
Japan has decided to reduce the waiting period for the approval of renewable power projects to less than two years. The establishment of a centrally operated grid may finally allow renewable projects to be set up faster. The implementation of an approval process for renewable projects through auctions will change the system and increase the speed at which projects are commissioned.
Lack of space for renewable energy projects is also another challenge. Japan’s quest to replace thermal power with renewables will not be possible mainly because it will need to cover virtually all its free land with solar panels to fully power the country.
“Offshore wind is an option, and Japan is experimenting with floating solar power. These resources were expensive but are more economical with improvements in technology. Japan’s efforts to implement a public tendering system to approve new renewable power projects will be able to take advantage of the falling prices of newer technologies,”