Japan

Japan energy policy, as promulgated by the National government in June 2002 in the Basic Act on Energy Policy, is based on the following three measures on energy supply and demand:

The massive costs of coping with the aftermath of the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant nuclear disaster has left its operator with limited funds to convert to alternative energy sources.

Phasing out nuclear power plant is cheaper than having a 15 to 25 percent mix.

Tepco president Naomi Hirose said the utility can't afford to invest in alternative energy sources since the three reactor meltodown at its Fukushima nuclear power plant last year.

Japan needs to invest at least ¥50 trillion or US$637 billlion in renewable energy by 2030 in order to phase out nuclear power.

A new national strategy will increase Japan's renewable energy capacity by a massive 555%.

Japan will announce its new national energy policy next week that will confirm its inability to wean itself from nuclear power.

Thailand will inaugurate a new solar power plant as part of the ADB-funded Lopburi solar project.

Tepco raised household electricity rates by an average of 8.46 percent to help pay rising fuel costs from thermal power generation.

Sales of solar cells in Japan hit 445 megawatts from April to June following a 72% rise year-on-year.

Softbank Corporation and Mitsui & Company have signed a contract to build and operate a 40 megawatt solar power that will be Japan’s largest.

The 27,000-kw plant solar power plant that costs ¥8 billion to build will be constructed by JGC Corp. in the city of Oita.

Vestas Wind Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. are negotiating on a possible strategic cooperation.