Japan's Environment Ministry is working toward a goal of using electricity only from renewable energy sources at its related facilities.
This month, the percentage of renewable power hit 100 pct at seven facilities including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo and a local office in Nara Prefecture.

By the end of fiscal 2020, which started this month, the ministry plans to raise the renewable ratio to 100 pct at a visitor center of Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture. It will consider ways to use locally generated electricity there.

The ministry aims to switch to 100 pct renewable electricity at all of its facilities, including the main office in Tokyo, by fiscal 2030.

It will also draw up guidelines for other government bodies and local authorities to increase the use of renewable power.

The ministry's initiative is part of the RE100 international project calling for shifting to 100 pct renewable electricity. About 30 Japanese companies are engaged in the project.

The ministry joined the project in June 2018. From April 2019, it was relying on renewable energy for 30 pct of electricity spent at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

The full renewable shift at the seven facilities including Shinjuku Gyoen this month caused almost no change in electricity charges there, according to the ministry.

The ministry is working to compile guidelines to curb a rise in electricity costs on increased use of renewable power, including through a bulk contract for several facilities with an electricity retailer.

JIJI Press