Japanese environment and trade ministries published the target to achieve 108GW of solar power capacity by 2030, up-scaling its previous 64GW target by 1.7 times, as reported by PV Tech on July 7. Currently, Japan is on track to reach 88GW of solar capacity by 2030, implying another 20GW to hit the 108GW target. The ministries plan to install solar panels on 50% of central government and municipality buildings, contributing 6GW of capacity. Another 10GW will come from solar panels on corporate buildings and car parks. Lastly, public land and promotion areas in at least 1,000 towns and cities will contribute 4GW to the goal. The Japanese government also plans to expand land availability for solar installations and to invest in agricultural solar farm deployment technology.

At the 2021 Leaders’ Summit on Climate in April, Japan had pledged to reduce emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Experts at energy consulting company Wood Mackenzie had described Japan’s 46% GHG reduction target as an extremely challenging one for the country. It was said that Japan was unlikely to meet the target unless the government would provide companies with more policy support and incentives for investments to speed up the decarbonization progress. At present, although Japan achieved a record low of emissions in the 2019 fiscal year, it is still the world’s fifth GHG emitter and produces 70% of its electricity through using coal and natural gas. If the abovementioned solar panel installations following the new solar power target go according to the plan, it will bring Japan an important step closer to reaching its climate goals.

Sources:

https://www.pv-tech.org/japan-almost-doubles-its-solar-target-with-108gw-planned-by-2030/

https://asian-power.com/project/news/japan-eyes-108-gw-solar-capacity-target-2030

https://asian-power.com/news/japan-unlikely-meet-46-reduction-in-emission-target-woodmac

https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/japan-tackle-red-tape-boost-renewable-energy-2021-04-23/