Solar Energy in Japan: Innovations and Policy Outlook

The effects of climate change have led governments around the world to increase the share of renewable energy sources in their national energy mix. For Japan, the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster had a vast impact on the country’s renewable energy policy and energy self-sufficiency. Solar power has become a major renewable source of electricity, yet the policy landscape since 2011 has become a stumbling block for the growth of solar-related businesses. At present, Japan is seeking to adjust its renewable energy policies to balance out the needs of companies and consumers alike. At the same time, Japan must compete with growing foreign solar power markets such as China and India. This Risk Report provides insight into what innovations Japan has been investing in and how government policies shape the market.