Proposal jointly by four ministries for regional symbiosis of renewable energy. Suspension of delivery and obligatory pre-explanatory meetings
In July, the four ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, jointly announced a proposal to promote renewable energy in harmony with the local community. In addition to withholding the issuance of FIT power sales revenues for cases that violate laws and regulations, the plan includes a proposal to require the holding of preliminary briefing sessions for local communities when certifying.
Proposal drafted by a study group jointly organized by four ministries
Will “lack of cross-sector support” be resolved?
It has been pointed out many times that many regions are concerned about issues related to solar power generation, such as safety, disaster prevention, landscape and environmental impact, and disposal. Therefore, in April 2022, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Ministry of the Environment launched a study group on the appropriate introduction and management of renewable energy power generation facilities. In order to aim for the introduction of symbiotic renewable energy, we have repeatedly considered ways to eliminate concerns.
In July, the study group published a proposal for future efforts, including revisions to the legal system. In the draft, four items, including “before land development”, “after land development to after start of operation/during operation”, “decommissioning/disposal”, and “cross-cutting items” were added, and the items to be handled were sorted out.
By having each ministry jointly consider the appropriate way of renewable energy, we would like to prepare a cross-sectional legal system and cooperate to communicate clearly to local governments, business operators, regions, etc.
Consider withholding delivery of FIT electricity sales income
Preliminary briefing sessions for local communities will also become compulsory
In the draft proposal, as a matter to be dealt with from "after land development to after the start of operation/during operation", cooperation between related ministries and agencies and local governments will be strengthened to expedite response to violations of relevant laws and regulations. In addition, in the future, in order to promptly eliminate violations, it is said that a new framework will be considered withholding the subsidies of the FIT / FIP system.
As for "cross-cutting matters," he indicated his intention to require prior briefings, etc. to the region when accrediting FIT/FIP. The same is true for change requests when reselling a power plant. In addition to clarifying the responsibilities of certified business operators, it also said that it would consider making it mandatory to install fences, etc., even for small-scale renewable energy power generation facilities.
Furthermore, he indicated that he would promptly respond to non-FIT/non-FIP renewable energy power plants in order to ensure proper discipline. On the other hand, it is also necessary to develop good examples of renewable energy power generation facilities that coexist with the community.
The 2030 energy mix targets a renewable energy ratio of 36-38% in the renewable energy power supply mix. However, in the cross section of FY2020, it will remain at about 19.8%. It is hoped that the joint effort of the four ministries will resolve the problem of “lack of cross-sectoral measures” regarding renewable energy and will provide a solid boost to appropriate renewable energy power generation projects.
