Japan eyes 108 GW solar capacity target by 2030

This almost doubles the current target of 64 GW.

Japan is mulling over plans to almost double its solar capacity target from 64 gigawatts (GW) to 108 GW by 2030, according to local reports.

The new target was presented by the country’s environment and trade ministries.

At the current pace of installations, Japan will reach 88 GW of solar capacity by 2030. The ministry wants to add another 20 GW of solar capacity to achieve the 108 GW target.

The 20 GW will come from installed solar panels on 50% of central government and municipality buildings which will give 6 GW, boosting solar on corporate buildings and car parks with the expected addition of 10 GW whilst 4 GW will come from public land and promotion areas in at least 1,000 towns and cities in Japan.

The government is also planning to expand land availability for solar installations whilst investing in technology that can facilitate the deployment of agricultural solar farms.  

A report by Wood Mackenzie said Japan is unlikely to meet its emission reduction targets unless it accelerates decarbonisation on all fronts backed by clear policies and incentives for businesses to ramp up investments.