World Potential (JAPAN)

Licensing Procedures
The Electric Power Source Development Coordination Council, chaired by the prime minister, makes the final decision on behalf of the Government to approve new power projects. However, in reality, the representatives of related ministries, agencies and some non-governmental delegates conduct most of the deliberations.

After passage through the said council, and prior to licensing, the Ministry of Construction and MITI review the development, in light of the River Law and the Electricity Utility Industry Law respectively.

As stated above, the government regulates the activities of the electric utilities to some extent. On the one hand, the Government provides guidance and promotes the national energy policy, and on the other hand, the regulations ensure the security of the facilities and the preservation of public safety and welfare. The Japanese electric power industry has traditionally been privately owned and has been managed as a private enterprise. However, the industry has certain responsibilities since they are a public utility.

At present, apart from pumped-storage, most large scale hydropower sites have already been developed, and no construction of large dams is foreseen. Hence, there is no case where hydropower has attracted wide public attention.

Some multipurpose projects with hydropower as a joint participant have been dormant for many years, but are now being reevaluated due to a change in the social environment. In almost all cases of ordinary hydropower development, the necessary mitigation measures for environmental and social problems are undertaken, based on prior impact assessments and public discussions. By and large this prevents public concerns about new projects.

SHP In Japan
Changes in National Energy Policy
The New Energy Foundation, Hydropower Capacity and Energy Production
Legislation and Regulations
Licensing Procedures