20 major companies have called on the Japanese government to set an ambitious target of sourcing at least 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 – more than double its current ambition of 22-24%.
The policy proposes:
- A more ambitious national renewable electricity target of 50% by 2030 to give consumers and developers long-term certainty on their energy strategy.
- An in-depth assessment of the wider benefits of switching to renewable energy (such as increasing energy security) in Japan – to be shared publicly.
- A policy environment that brings the cost of renewables in line with other G20 governments.
- Power purchase agreements (PPAs) to be made easier to enable corporates to buy renewable electricity over the long-term at a guaranteed price – these are becoming an increasingly popular and successful strategy for companies around the world and directly add renewable capacity to the grid.
“These companies realize that in order to remain competitive in a globalized economy, they must embrace a low carbon future. We are excited by the leadership demonstrated by these companies in today’s call for an ambitious 2030 renewables targets and efficient market mechanisms to help companies reach their RE100 commitment. By working hand-in hand with the government, Japanese companies can drive greater demand for renewables and deliver the clean economy of tomorrow.” — Constant Alarcon, RE100 Campaign Manager, The Climate Group
All 20 companies are members of The Climate Group’s RE100 global corporate leadership initiative and 19 of the 20 companies are from Japan…
- Askul Corporation
- Aeon Co., Ltd.
- Co-op Sapporo
- Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.
- Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.
- Envipro Holdings, Inc.
- Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
- Fujitsu Limited
- Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd.
- Konica Minolta, Inc.
- Marui Group
- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
- Ricoh Company, Ltd.
- Sekisui House, Ltd.
- Sony Corporation
- The Johnan Shinkin Bank
- Toda Corporation
- Tokyu Land Corporation
- Watami Co., Ltd.
…Joined by one US company
- Apple Inc.
The global corporate leadership initiative RE100 is led by international non-profit, The Climate Group in partnership with CDP to bring together some of the world’s most influential companies committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity.
Sources and further reading:
Major companies call for ambitious 2030 renewable electricity targets in Japan
The full policy proposal (pdf).
Japan Climate Initiaive.
Leading Japanese Companies and Cities Call Upon the Japanese Government to Raise the Ambition of its Long-term Climate Strategy (JCI).
