This section shows how Japan followed Germany’s path, with renewable energy expansion leading to higher electricity prices, tax burdens, environmental damage, and media irresponsibility—costs ultimately borne by ordinary citizens.

2016-03-16

In 2014, Kyushu Electric Power, followed by power companies in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Shikoku, and Okinawa, fell into a situation where they had to suspend responses to new grid connection applications from renewable energy operators.
In Japan today, contracted solar power capacity alone already amounts to one and a half times the total installed capacity of all nuclear power plants in the country.
In other words, Japan is repeating Germany’s mistakes.
While this may benefit companies able to invest in solar panels and wind farms, ordinary consumers are burdened through higher taxes and rising electricity prices.
High electricity prices are borne by consumers, and subsidies for solar power are paid through taxes.
Ultimately, all citizens pay the price.
Due to the solar power bubble, forests have been felled one after another, and in some cases private operators have cut down trees across approximately 8,700 square meters without obtaining the consent of forest owners.
Thirteen owners are seeking compensation, but the dispute remains unresolved.
An elderly female farmer in her eighties stated, “Rural forests are being targeted by the renewable energy boom. This could happen anywhere in the country.”
While some media outlets have sounded warnings, major media organizations have largely ignored the issue.
Instead, they uncritically relay remarks such as, “Nine years after stepping down as prime minister, what came through in the interview with former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was his strong determination to realize a ‘zero nuclear’ society.”
The responsibility borne by major media outlets is extremely grave.
To be continued.