HISTORY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVE IN JAPAN

Abstract

Japan started full-scale renewable energy after two oil shocks. The government take the efforts into the Sunshine plan (new energy) and Moonlight plan (energy conservation). We promoted research and development of industry, academia and government collaboration. However, MITI just focused on sunlight only in renewable energy in 1993. Since 2005, it was a dark ages for renewable energy, partly excluding biomass. The introduction of renewable energy is now progressing with the introduction of the FIT system in 2012.