On April 4, the Cabinet Secretariat hosted the "Ministerial Conference on Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, etc. (3rd)." Based on the “Basic Policy for the Realization of GX” decided by the Cabinet, an action plan (draft) to be implemented in cooperation with related ministries and agencies for the expansion of the introduction of renewable energy was announced and discussed.
Minister of the Environment Akihiro Nishimura at a press conference
(Source: Ministry of the Environment)
The action plan (draft) is divided into two parts: “environmental preparation for the introduction of renewable energy” and “coexistence of renewable energy promotion and discipline.” It was sorted by the item of (3) efforts by the demand side. In terms of "coexistence with discipline," the items are (1) expanding renewable energy in harmony with the community, (2) ensuring appropriate business discipline, and (3) expanding the introduction of renewable energy based on the "Fukushima Plan for a New Energy Society." Measures were taken separately.
The focus of innovation promotion is perovskite solar cells and floating offshore wind power. described. With regard to offshore wind power, a target has already been set to "form projects of 10 GW by 2030 and 30 GW to 45 GW by 2040" for both fixed and floating structures. Within this fiscal year, a target value will be set for the first time regarding how much of the 30 to 45 GW the floating type will bear.
Regarding the expansion of the introduction of solar power, the company reconfirmed the goal of "aiming for 14-16% introduction by 2030, which is about double the current level," which was previously set in the Basic Energy Plan. This ratio increase means doubling the approximately 60 GW installed so far to approximately 120 GW by 2030. In addition, as part of "ensuring business discipline," it was stated that "we will start studying how to dispose and recycle solar panels, etc., and reach a conclusion by the end of 2023." As a supplement to this, Minister of the Environment Akihiro Nishimura held a press conference and announced that he would launch a new panel of experts jointly with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in April or May. At the conference, it was decided that the reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of solar panels, which are expected to be discharged in large quantities in the second half of 2030, will be concretely implemented, including institutional responses.
In addition, at this ministerial meeting, policies for the new targets set forth in the revised Basic Strategy for Hydrogen, which will be compiled by the end of May, were also presented. "Consider 12 million tons of hydrogen as a target for 2040," and plan to quadruple the 2030 target of 3 million tons. We are considering about 15 GW as a target.” "15GW" is said to be about 10% of the projected introduction of water electrolyzers in the world in 2030.
