Japan will end financial support for large-scale solar farms from 2027 to protect landscapes and nature, potentially slowing renewable growth.
TOKYO: The Japanese government will tighten regulations and end financial support for large-scale solar power projects to protect the natural environment and preserve landscapes.
This move aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s (pic) stance calling for limits on large solar projects. She has argued that mega-solar installations risk damaging Japan’s scenery and natural environment.
The government is considering discontinuing support through the feed-in tariff and feed-in premium schemes for ground-mounted, large-scale commercial solar power generation starting in April 2027.
Under these schemes, renewable power producers are either guaranteed a fixed purchase price for electricity or sell power on the market while receiving a premium.
Details, such as the exact project size threshold for terminating support, will be finalised later. Support for existing facilities and residential installations will continue.
The government will also consider expanding the scope of environmental assessments for solar projects. Currently, projects under 30 megawatts are not subject to national assessments.
The discussions follow a series of disputes over mega-solar development projects near Kushiro Wetland National Park in Hokkaido and other areas. The government began talks on strengthening regulations in September.
A potential slowdown in solar farm development could further dampen the pace of renewable energy growth in Japan. This comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding offshore wind projects due to rising costs and developer withdrawals.
Backing for the development of perovskite solar cells, a next-generation technology developed by Japan, will be strengthened. The government aims to promote this development.
