By Hajime Nakatsugawa

On Jan. 15, oil major JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation and four other companies involved in the power generation business announced they have set up the “council to promote long-term, stable renewable energy sources.” The council will discuss issues related to renewable energy, including solar power and wind power, and submit policy proposals to the government to promote stable power generation over the long term.

The five companies that founded the council are JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Tokyo Gas, ORIX Corporation, Tokyu Land Corporation, and Renewable Japan. The council aims to grow into a 200-company association by calling on the participation of electricity retailers and major power companies.