Tokyo metropolitan gov’t to call on national gov’t to accelerate energy transition in light of the situation in the Middle East
On May 15, the Tokyo metropolitan government announced that it had submitted an “emergency requests” to the national government, calling for an accelerated energy transition and measures to help stabilize business operations, in light of the situation in the Middle East.
It stressed the need for a structural transition toward a less oil-dependent society and called for measures such as accelerated deployment of renewable energy and support for investment in hydrogen, biofuels and synthetic fuels.
It also called for support to offset the increased costs incurred by the manufacturing and construction sectors when procuring petroleum-related products and raw materials, and urged the swift implementation of measures necessary to stabilize the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as those in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.
It further called for financial support for the rising prices measures taken by local governments.
Regarding the transition of the energy structure, it stressed the need to support development efforts undertaken by startups and other businesses aimed at promoting the adoption of domestically developed new energy technologies, products, and services that contribute to decarbonisation.
The request also included calls for the relaxation of regulations that hinder the demonstration and deployment of new technologies, as well as the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
In light of the situation in the Middle East, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had already submitted an emergency request to the national government in April, calling for a stable energy supply, accelerated decarbonisation, and stronger measures to address extreme heat. It is continuing to urge the government to take robust action.