Japan Ruling Party Proposes Cutting Subsidies for Solar Projects
Summarize this article with:
Article content(Bloomberg) — Japan’s ruling party has proposed cutting government subsidies for large-scale solar projects, as it pushes to reduce emphasis on renewables in the nation’s energy strategy.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe proposal comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — who is also head of the Liberal Democratic Party — prioritizes energy security and self-sufficiency, especially as a significant chunk of Japan’s solar imports come from China, with whom relations are currently strained. Takaichi has stated in the past her opposition to any policy that “covers our beautiful land with foreign-made solar panels.” Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentProjects with capacity over 1 megawatt should no longer be eligible for subsidies in the form of feed-in tariffs, the LDP said in a statement late on Thursday, arguing that declining costs have made them economically viable for developers. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentThe proposed move also aligns with the government’s efforts to revive atomic energy as a central pillar of its energy strategy. Japan is poised to restart several nuclear power facilities, including the world’s largest, the Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant.Article contentJapan, the most fossil-fuel reliant among the Group of Seven advanced economies, has faced criticism from environmental groups for not doing enough to fight climate change. Its utilities have long justified their continued use of dirty fuels by saying large-scale solar and wind deployment is limited by the island-nation’s geography. Article contentStill, the country aims to more than triple the share of solar in its energy mix to 23-29% and quadruple nuclear power to 20% by fiscal year 2040. Takaichi and the LDP have expressed support for perovskite panels, which are next-generation solar products that proponents say are more energy-efficient and flexible. Article contentThe proposed rule-tightening for solar projects also follows warnings from the environment ministry and public opinion that solar farms that require a large amount of land could threaten the habitats of rare species. Earlier this year, Kushiro city in the northern Hokkaido prefecture issued a declaration against large-scale solar plants in order to “protect nature.”Article contentThe measure is part of a draft energy bill the LDP intends to table in parliament in fiscal year 2026. It’s likely to pass on support from the party’s coalition partners. Article contentTrending Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Posthaste: Here's where home prices plunged the most in tough year for Canada's housing market News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Posthaste: Here's where home prices plunged the most in tough year for Canada's housing market News