Japan has a cumulative capacity of 2GW of solar/photovoltaic (PV) energy (about 10% of the global market) and 1.5GW of wind energy.[1] In 2002, the country enacted a new law that calls for an increase in the required contribution of renewables in electric power generation from 3.28 TWh in 2003 to 12.2 TWh by 2010. As of 2008, all 38 electric power enterprises have met their obligations, more quickly than anticipated.[2]
However, Japan has major challenges in their electricity supply. Their largest single source of power, the 8.2GW Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant is still down after damages from a 2007 earthquake. Therefore, the country has a goal of producing 4.8GW of solar/photovoltaic (PV) energy by 2010, and 100GW by 2030. For wind power, Japan plans to produce 3GW by 2010 and 4.8GW by 2014.[3] In June 2008, Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda announced his "Fukuda Vision," summarized in the chart below, to promote cutting carbon emissions and lead the environmental market in Asia.
