Gov't eyes equipping public offices with solar panels

TOKYO, March 15 Kyodo -
The government is considering having schools, municipal offices and other
public offices equipped with photovoltaic panels as part of Japan's version of
a ''Green New Deal'' policy, which aims to bolster economic growth by promoting
measures to tackle global warming, sources close to the matter said Sunday.
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 said.
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.
It also plans to set up an ''eco-point'' benefit system for the purchase of
environmentally friendly consumer appliances to boost replacement demand.
Among other planned features of the green policy are measures to promote carbon
dioxide emissions trading and environment-related investment.
==Kyodo
2009-03-15 20:55:04