Tokyo, March 15: The Japanese government is
considering having schools, municipal offices and other public
offices equipped with photovoltaic panels as part of country's
version of a "Green New Deal" policy, which aims to bolster
economic growth by promoting measures to tackle global
warming.
Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito is due to announce an
outline of the envisioned program at a Council on Economic
and Fiscal Policy on Wednesday and complete the plan by the
end of this month to reflect it in an additional economic
stimulus package.
The program is also planned to include preferential
treatment for the purchase of environmentally friendly
consumer electronics and cars to promote the fast diffusion
of such products, the sources close to the matter said on Sunday.
By boosting public demand for photovoltaic facilities
through the program, the government aims to reduce the prices
for such equipment.
To support the diffusion, the government also plans to
oblige electric power companies to purchase electricity
generated by solar energy at schools, houses, and companies
at twice the current price for a long term.
As for fuel-efficient products, the government is
considering cutting taxes and providing subsidies for the
purchase of electric cars and other next-generation vehicles.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, March 15, 2009, 00:00