Progress made in Japan’s shift towards renewable energy

Japan’s plans to make a shift from nuclear power to renewable energy moved a step closer yesterday, as the country’s lower house of parliament passed a bill to encourage investment in the renewable energy sector.

The issue will now be put to the upper house who could approve the notion by the end of the week, although the related laws would not take affect until July next year. As Climate Action reported earlier this month Prime Minister Kan has made it a priority to reduce Japan’s reliance on nuclear energy since this year’s earthquake and tsunami devastated the country’s Fukushima nuclear plant. Kan’s handling since the fallout of the disaster has seen him come under increasing pressure to step down. Khan though has pledged to make the passing of the renewables bill his final act before he stands down as he finally bows to public pressure.

Yesterdays’ ruling is the first step towards Khan’s goal, giving an indication that politicians are in favor of the prime ministers’ policy. The passing of the bill follows weeks of negotiations between both ruling and opposing parties, with the bill meaning that utility companies will have to buy electricity from renewable and solar sources.