THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
December 20, 2024 at 18:50 JST
A large-scale solar farm surrounded by wind turbines in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture (Kazuhiro Nagashima)
AOMORI—To address environmental concerns over renewable energy projects, Aomori Prefecture is introducing zoning regulations and taxation for large-scale wind and solar farms.
Prefectural officials released draft ordinances on Dec. 19, targeting onshore wind farms with an output exceeding 500 kilowatts and solar plants whose output surpasses 2 megawatts.
The move comes as the national government pushes for maximum use of renewable energy sources.
It reflects Aomori's frustration with businesses generating renewable energy for large cities, often at the cost of the local environment and landscape.
Aomori, the country’s second-largest wind power producer, will be the first prefecture to establish local regulations of this kind.
The initiative divides the prefecture into three zones: A, B and C.
In the environmental conservation areas of zones A and B, no new plants may be built.
Violations will result in a fine of up to 50,000 yen ($318). Additionally, operators will be charged 410 yen for solar power and 1,990 yen for wind power for every kilowatt generated.
The vast majority of the prefecture’s land belongs to zones A and B.
However, businesses can still operate energy plants in zone B without taxes if the governor approves, confirming that a project will not negatively impact the environment or the local community.
In zone C, operators are allowed to conduct business with a tax of 110 yen per kilowatt for solar plants and 300 yen per kilowatt for wind farms.
As in zone B, the tax will be declared exempt in zone C if the governor determines the project is in harmony with the environment and the host community.
Officials will propose the ordinances to the prefectural assembly in February. If approved, they will be implemented in the next fiscal year, starting in April.
New taxes will require the authorization of the internal affairs minister before they can take effect.
Similar taxation was introduced in Miyagi Prefecture earlier this year.
(This article was written by Yusuke Noda and Ryoji Koko.)
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