The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has compiled “the recommendation (draft) by the Study Group on the Introduction and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Facilities” and presented the issues to be addressed for the introduction of renewable energy in harmony with local communities, as well as measures to resolve these issues. METI, the Ministry of the Environment (MoE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have prepared a list of actions, which were divided into those to be taken promptly and those to be considered for institutional measures, including legal revisions, and organize each stage and cross-sectional matters from the introduction of renewable energy to disposal.

A number of actions have been presented, including lowering the eligibility criteria for forest land development permits for PV power generation, considering new mechanisms such as withholding the income from electricity sales electricity (FIT and FIP grants) in case of violation of relevant laws and regulations, including support measures and institutional responses to promote and facilitate recycling, and ensuring appropriate business discipline even for non-FIT and non-FIP projects.

The list of actions will be followed up by the Study Group, and the relevant ministries and agencies will work together to provide easy-to-understand information to local governments, business operators, and local residents. At the study group meeting on July 28, 2022, this draft was agreed in principle, and public comments are expected to be invited in the near future.