Japan tightens regulations on mega-solar project to protect landscape and nature

Officials from the Japanese government have announced that they will tighten regulations, and stop financial support for large-scale projects of solar energy to protect the?environment and preserve landscapes.

This is part of the package of countermeasures against mega-scale solar farms that was endorsed by the Japanese government on Tuesday. It also aligns with Prime Minster Takaichi, who has called for limits to large solar projects. She argued that most panels are manufactured overseas, particularly in China, and mega-solar farms risk damaging Japan's natural environment and scenery.

A potential slowdown in the development of solar farms could be a further hindrance to the growth of renewable energy in Japan. The country is the fifth largest emitter in the world.

An official from the Industry Ministry said that the government is considering ending support for large-scale commercial solar energy generation using ground-mounted systems, starting with the fiscal year that begins in April 2027.

These schemes either guarantee renewable power producers a fixed price for their electricity over a specified period, or allow them to sell power at a higher price than the market.

The official stated that details, such as the exact threshold size for ending support, will be finalised in the future.

The government will continue to support existing installations and residential installations, while promoting the development of perovskite cells. Perovskite cells are a new-generation technology for solar energy developed by Japan. The government wants to promote this development.

The government is also planning to 'expand the scope of environmental assessment. Solar projects that are?under 30 Megawatts' do not currently require national assessments. However, the government will be looking at expanding this requirement.

Discussions are being held following a series disputes over mega-solar projects near Kushiro Wetland National Park on Japan's northern Island of Hokkaido. In September, the government began discussions on tightening regulations, led by both the environment and industry ministries. (Reporting and editing by Tomaszjanowski)

(source: Reuters)