In Japan, there is an increasing interest in RE100[i], the global corporate leadership initiative bringing together multinational companies committed to 100% renewable electricity worldwide. More than 25 Japanese companies, including Sony and Fujitsu, have joined in the last two years, sending a positive demand signal to the market.

While eligibility to join RE100 is limited to “enterprises over 10GWh electricity consumption”, RE Action will provide a platform for smaller companies and other organizations willing to make the same commitment. There are approximately 4 million organizations of this size in Japan[ii], covering approximately 40-50% of the country’s electricity needs.

In many cases, electricity purchase prices set for these smaller organizations are relatively high, but by joining the RE Action initiative, participant organizations will send signals to society regarding their need for reasonably priced renewable electricity. The initiative will help drive investments and forward-thinking policies for renewable electricity.

Following the United Nations Climate Action Summit held in New York City on 23 September, there is now greater public recognition of the need to transition to a decarbonized society. The demand for change is expected to increase significantly in today’s world, requiring actions not just by policymakers, enterprises, and local governments, but also organizations such as educational and medical institutions. Through the RE Action initiative, GPN, ICLEI, IGES, and JCLP will contribute to the transition to a decarbonized society in Japan.