Driving Collective Action for Japan’s Clean Energy Future: Highlights from the Clean Energy Members & Partners Workshops

On February 5 and 6 in Tokyo, Japan, Japan Clean Energy Members & Partners Workshops were hosted by Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), in partnership with Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), Japan Climate Initiative (JCI), Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership (JCLP), RE100, Renewable Energy Institute (REI), and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI). We came together with key stakeholders to align our approach to clean energy advocacy. Over the two-day workshops, these seven organizations joined forces with local entities from both the public and private sectors in Japan to drive a shared mission forward.

The main goal of the workshop was to identify shared priorities among all participants. Creating a space for open dialogue and rigorous discussions, we ensured every stakeholder could voice their concerns and aspirations. This was especially important as we'll engage government representatives with a unified message. The collective goal set during the session was ambitious: at least a tripling of renewable energy resources by 2035 for a carbon emissions free electric power grid.

Our discussions crystallized around three key priority areas:

• Grid Planning, Permitting & Infrastructure Financing: We examined high renewable energy development costs, investment reluctance stemming from market uncertainty and lack of transparency, and extended project lead times. To address these challenges, we explored various solutions such as creating dedicated funding schemes and enhancing policy clarity to engage in technical collaborations aimed at demystifying complex grid systems.
• Accelerate Power Market Reform: We took a close look at entrenched market practices, including challenges around grid operations and opaque pricing mechanisms. Based on these insights, we discussed measures to promote independent system operations and fair pricing strategies to enhance market competitiveness and reliability.
• Cost-Effective, Diversified & Credible Procurement Options: The discussion also focused on the complexities surrounding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), high costs, and supply-demand mismatches. Recommendations included creating standardized guidelines and offering tailored training sessions—especially for SMEs—to navigate the intricate landscape of energy procurement.

At the end of the workshops, a number of key takeaways from the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration. JCLP and REI suggested the idea of launching a new initiative that would involve all participating organizations and the necessity of collective engagement with their stakeholders. SEMI highlighted the need of clear PPA guidelines and learning sessions while RE100 stressed the importance of relevant research going forward. Here at ACEC, we reaffirmed our commitment to prioritizing key issues by leveraging each organization’s unique strengths. 

We will apply the RACI model to these shared priorities, assigning roles based on each entity’s strengths. This will help us co-create a structured space for reconvening with government officials and industry stakeholders once each workstream has been completed, ensuring that our advocacy efforts are supported by robust research and a clear, actionable message. In summary, our discussions over the two-day workshops highlighted that only by coalescing around these shared priorities can we build a solid foundation for our future advocacy efforts.

Following the workshops, on February 18, the 7th Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) was passed, setting a new target of a 73% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by FY2040 (compared to FY2013). During the public consultation period in January 2024, ACEC contributed to reinforcing the momentum by submitting key opinions, emphasizing the need for enhanced transparency and broader stakeholder participation in policy-making, grid strengthening and accelerated renewable energy integration, promotion of offshore wind power, and expansion of baseload renewable energy capacity. Building on these efforts, ACEC continues advancing the priorities identified in the workshops, collaborating with partners, and driving impactful advocacy work to support Japan’s clean energy transition.