[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 60380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24297]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Renewable Energy Policy Business Roundtable in Japan
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade
Administration will lead a delegation of U.S. companies to participate
in a Renewable Energy Policy Business Roundtable, which will be held on
December 3, 2012 in Tokyo in conjunction with the U.S.-Japan Energy
Policy Dialogue. The U.S. Department of Energy--the lead U.S. agency
for the bilateral discussions--will co-chair the roundtable.
Following the roundtable, the delegation will travel to the
northeast region for site visits. Participating companies will learn
firsthand the current condition of reconstruction following the March
2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the role of renewable energy in those
efforts, including local government incentives. Upon returning to
Tokyo, optional business counseling will be provided by the U.S.
Department of Commerce's Commercial Service.
Information on how to register (including applicable fees) for the
roundtable, site visits, and business counseling will be posted online
at: http://www.export.gov/reee.
DATES: The roundtable and other related events will be held in Japan
the week of December 3-7, 2012. Participants must register online no
later than October 31, 2012. Applications will be taken on a first-
come, first-served basis due to space limitations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cora Dickson, Manufacturing and
Services, Office of Energy and Environmental Industries, Phone: 202-
482-6083, Email: [email protected]. Gregory Briscoe, U.S.
Commercial Service Tokyo, Phone: +81-3-3224-5088, Email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Japanese Cabinet advisory panel recently
recommended that Japan phase out nuclear power by the 2030s, increase
its reliance on renewable energy, and take steps to improve energy
efficiency. In 2011, approximately 10 percent of Japan's electricity
was derived from renewable energy. This percentage is expected to
increase as various incentives, such as a new feed-in tariff system
(for solar, wind, geothermal, small micro/small/medium hydro, and
biomass/biogas), are introduced to promote investor confidence in
renewable energy projects. A long-term reform process in the
electricity sector is also taking shape that may allow for more
diversity in energy sources as well as hasten the deployment of smart
grid technology.
All of these factors point towards potential business opportunities
for American companies. U.S. clean energy companies that want to sell
products and services in Japan can benefit from a deeper understanding
of the changing Japanese policy and regulatory landscape, from the
viewpoint of both Japan's policymakers and representatives from the
private sector, who will also join the roundtable. A frank and open
discussion about renewable energy will enhance the bilateral Energy
Policy Dialogue by identifying key policy issues and sharing best
practices.
Dated: September 27, 2012.
Catherine Vial,
Team Lead, Environmental Industries, Office of Energy and Environmental
Industries.
[FR Doc. 2012-24297 Filed 10-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P