The Environment Ministry will add about 20,000 megawatts to its solar power generation target for fiscal 2030 in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The amount is equivalent to the capacity of 20 nuclear power plants.
The solar power generation capacity in fiscal 2030 is expected to reach more than 108,000 MW, 70% greater than the present target, including the amount already expected to increase under current policies. The ministry presented a draft of the plan at an expert panel meeting Tuesday.
The government has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 46% of the fiscal 2013 level by fiscal 2030, and is reviewing plans to expand the use of renewable energy.
The government's current plan calls for 64,000 MW of solar power generation capacity in fiscal 2030. Capacity of about 56,000 MW was already installed as of fiscal 2019. At the current pace, the government expects to reach a capacity of about 88,000 MW in fiscal 2030.
The ministry has prepared the draft to reflect the increase in a bid to accelerate greater use of renewable energy. The draft focuses on three priority areas -- the public sector, businesses and local communities -- and includes specific initiatives and introduction targets for each area.
In the public sector, 6,000 MW will be secured by installing solar power generation equipment by fiscal 2030 in 50% of national and local government buildings, where possible.
In the corporate sector, the government is targeting an increase of 10,000 MW by widely publicizing power purchase agreements for the installation of solar panels at no initial cost and encouraging buildings and parking lots to be self-sufficient through the introduction of power generation equipment.
In local communities, 1,000 cities, towns and villages are expected to install about 4,000 MW of solar power generation equipment on public land and in decarbonization promotion zones.
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