Twenty companies call for an at least 50% clean goal by 2030 up from 22-24% currently

Twenty major companies, including Sony, Aeon and Fujitsu, have called on the Japanese government to source at least 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, up from the current goal of 22-24%.

The call came during a renewable energy summit organised by the Japan Climate Leaders Partnership.

It said a more ambitious national renewable electricity target would give consumers and developers long-term certainty on their energy strategy.

Japan should also make an in-depth assessment of the wider benefits of switching to renewable energy to be shared publicly and create a favourable policy environment that brings the cost of renewables in line with other G20 governments.

The companies also urged that power purchase agreements should be made easier to enable corporates to buy renewable electricity over the long-term at a guaranteed price.

Other companies making the call are Askul Corporation, Envipro Holdings, Co-op Sapporo, Konica Minolta, The Johnan Shinkin Bank, Sekisui House, Sony Corporation, Daito Trust Construction, Daiwa House Industry, Tokyu Land Corporation, Toda Corporation, Nomura Research Institute, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Fuyo General Lease, Marui Group, Ricoh Company, Watami and Apple.