Japan approves 33,000 renewable projects to get rid of nuclear energy

The government of Japan has approved a massive 33,000 renewable energy project proposals as part of its strategy to gradually get rid of nuclear energy in the next three decades.

In the wake of last year’s Fukushima disaster that shocked the whole world, Japan designed a new energy policy effective 1 July 2012, under which renewable energy projects would get subsidies.

All the new projects are reported to be considered under the new energy law.

Data released by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) revealed that projects worth capacity of 365MW have been accorded approval, out of which 81 are solar power projects of capacity 243MW and six are wind power projects with capacity 122MW.

Further the ministry has given its consent to solar panels installed on the roofs of homeowners and small firms totalling 202MW and small-sized hydro power projects of capacity 0.2MW.

Under the terms of the approval, the projects require to enter into contract agreements with utilities by March 2012 and sell power at premium price determined until March 31.

A senior Japanese official, speaking to reporters, said "Achieving zero-nuclear status is an ambition, not a commitment".

The energy policy unveiled on 13 September 2012 outlined extensive investment lined up by the government in renewable energy, technology and infrastructure.

About JPY90 trillion ($1.1trillion) comprising JPY84 trillion ($1.07 trillion) for energy efficient technology and 6 trillion ($70bn) for cogeneration systems, and an additional JPY34 trillion ($430bn) for overall renewable energy are expected to be spent by Japan.