Leading corporations worldwide are urging Japan to ramp up its renewable energy capacity, with over 400 multinational companies, including 87 Japanese firms like Sony and Panasonic, calling for a tripling of renewable power generation by 2035. The group, known as RE100, sees this as a crucial step towards enhancing energy security, boosting international competitiveness, and attracting more private investment in renewable projects.
As part of the global push to triple renewable energy output by 2030, Japan and the United States have the lowest share of renewables among the G7 nations. Despite aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan has been hesitant to commit to phasing out coal-fired power plants, a decision criticized by many as a hindrance to reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Founded a decade ago by Climate Group and the Carbon Disclosure Project, RE100 has outlined six key policy recommendations to facilitate the transition to a more renewable-focused energy strategy in Japan. The country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, exacerbated by the Fukushima disaster in 2011, underscores the urgent need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources.