The development of Japan’s renewable energy sector continues to face some unexpected challenges, with local governments voting into power a new generation of leaders who are more willing to challenge the industry on issues that impinge upon community interests. Gone are the days of unfettered renewable energy development.

On February 20, the Aomori prefecture government released an overview of its proposed budget for the next fiscal term that runs from April 2024 to March 2025. It includes funds for writing new renewable regulations, showing that the plan for a new renewables tax, which was first announced in last September, is moving forward.

Since Aomori ranks top among Japan’s prefectures in terms of the number of wind power installations and total capacity, the planned tax and other regulatory measures will have a broader impact on developers and operators across the entire country. To date, few details have been released, and so, to find out more about the prefecture’s plans, Japan NRG spoke with Aomori officials.