METI to require timetable for switch to low-carbon use

Japan’s government is asking power, gas and petroleum companies to create a timetable and specify quantities of renewable energy they intend to introduce. The firms will be required to create timetables and specify the quantities of solar power and other renewable energies, including biomass fuels, that they intend to introduce. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) intends to release standards as early as next month for evaluating progress toward the goals. The companies are expected to begin creating goals and timetables in October. (August 12, 2010)