Excerpt from japantimes.co.jp

While the government has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, some regions are working to bring it forward by 20 years, achieving the goal by the fiscal year starting in April 2030.

In the so-called decarbonization-leading areas announced by the Environment Ministry in April, local governments, companies and financial institutions are ahead of the curve in developing projects that will serve as models for others, starting a “decarbonization domino effect” in various locations, including urban areas, rural villages and remote islands.

Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture is one of the decarbonization-leading areas, with numerous solar panels generating electricity for local use.

In Awaji in the north, one of three cities on the island, 131,250 panels are located on high ground.

“On days when you can see Shodoshima Island 60 kilometers away, the amount of power generated increases,” said 67-year-old Koichi Matsumura, president of operator Awaji Kifune Solar Power Station, as he looked out over the Harimanada Sea to the west.