Sustainable Energy and Environmental Policymaking in Japan

Abstract

Failed R&D efforts in Japan suggest that the country has not always succeeded in deploying SEETs, and that the Japanese government has occasionally failed in promoting such technologies. The recent PV case illustrates a huge lost opportunity by the government in Japan's termination of the residential subsidy program. Of course, we cannot ascribe all failed cases to the government sector. Other factors, such as industry strategies and consumer preferences may also have influenced the success of SEETs. In this article, however, we will focus on the role of the Japanese government's policy in promoting SEETs. Technology policy is important for engineers, corporate executives, and environmental advocates in promoting sustainable technologies. Because SEETsaddress environmental issues, public policies and regulations can have a significant impact on how these technologies are adopted.