LDP joint group drafts plan to review solar-power project support

NHK has learned that a group of Japan’s major ruling Liberal Democratic Party members has compiled a draft proposal for the government to review measures that promote major solar-power generation projects.

The joint group, including members of the party’s Economy, Trade and Industry Division and the Environment Division, put together the draft.

They discussed mounting concerns across the nation about the impact of large-scale solar-power projects on the natural environment.

The draft proposal calls on the government to strengthen effective regulations to restrict environmental destruction caused by deforestation.

It says coexistence with local communities and consideration of the environment are a prerequisite for the introduction of renewable energy sources, and that government support should be focused on measures in line with them.

The draft calls for the review or abolition of the extra charge for renewable energy, which is collected from electricity users every month. The government is using the money to support major solar-power projects.

The group says the necessity of such a fund has been reduced due to technological development and other factors.

It also calls for installing solar cells on public facilities, among other methods that can coexist with the community, as an example that the government support should be focused on.

The LDP plans to further discuss the draft at the joint meeting this week and finalize the proposal.