​Advancement of Regulatory Reforms by the Renewable Energy Task Force to Expand Renewable Energy: Focusing on Regulation of Power Generation Equipment in the Agricultural Field

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the establishment, activities, and impacts of the Task Force for Comprehensive Inspection of Regulations Related to Renewable Energy, etc. (Renewable Energy Task Force), which was established under Japan’s Cabinet Office in November 2020. In a specific case, it was found that the task force advanced regulatory reform by taking advantage of demand from citizen groups, especially in discussions regarding the elimination of location regulations on solar power generation equipment in the agricultural field. Knowledge regarding the influence of such a new organization will contribute to reforming the policymaking process in Japan’s energy sector, and the future activities of this task force are likely to be of interest.