Japan changes feed-in tariff (FiT) programme for renewables

Bloomberg has recently reported that Japan’s government has recently approved changes to the country’s feed-in tariff (FiT) programme for renewables, including the introduction of auctions for solar projects in an overhaul of the program, which was introduced in 2012.

The modifications include the launch of an auction system for future photovoltaic (PV) projects in order to ensure competitive prices. Since Japan introduced its feed-in tariff program, solar has accounted for most of its clean energy additions.

The changes to the law, which still need to be approved by parliament, are expected to become effective in April 2017.

The government had set up a panel of experts through the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to make decisions on the feed-in tariff (FiT) programme.

It is expected that Japan projects renewables will provide as much as 24 % of its power supply in 2030, according to a plan announced by the Government in July.