Solar energy dominates Japanese clean energy projects

Solar energy projects constitute 83% of clean energy projects recently approved by the Japanese government.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry approved clean energy projects totaling 1,780 megawatts of capacity. Of this total, solar projects accounted for 1,480 megawatts or 83%, followed by 292 megawatts in wind projects.

Since April, Japan has added 912 megawatts of clean energy capacity with solar projects comprising 885 megawatts of the total.

Japan introduced its generous solar tariffs in July to promote investments in clean energy. The ministry estimates Japan will add 2,500 megawatts of clean energy by the end of March 2013 following the introduction in July of feed-in tariffs or subsidies that require utilities to buy power from renewable energy providers at premium prices.