Japan close to hitting 2030 renewables target

The country set a 36-38% renewable energy target in 2030. 

With an estimated 34.5% renewable energy, Japan is close to achieving its 2030 target for clean energy, GlobalData reported. 

In its Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, Japan increased its renewable energy target to 36-38% by 2030 from the initial 22-24%. 

Despite this, GlobalData found that the expansion of renewable energy in Japan still faces an uphill battle.

“Historically, the proliferation of renewable power projects has been hindered by the difficulty of getting such projects connected to the grid. Since the grid is in the hands of various local utilities, connection charges are high,” Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Power Analyst at GlobalData, said. 

“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. Very few developers have sufficient funds or patience to see their projects through this process.”

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Saibasan said the government had cut the waiting period for the approval down to less than two years; whilst renewable projects can now be set up faster with the establishment of a centrally operated grid. 

“Another challenge that the country faces about the renewable sector’s expansion is a lack of space,” he said. 

“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.”