Japanese Oil and Gas Firms Make Their Move Into Alternative Energy

KOFU-SHI, JAPAN--August 1, 2011--Researched by Industrial Info Resources East Asia (Kofu-shi, Japan)--Oil and gas companies in Japan could find their alternative energy-based subsidiaries in advantageous positions, as the country appears to be staying the course to the reduction of nuclear dependence. Last week, Prime Minister Naoto Kan, after previously pledging Japan to the continued use of nuclear energy after March 11, announced that nuclear energy would be phased out in steps, aiming for the long-term use of renewable energy and smart technology. The government has yet to disclose the details of the phase-out, only that it will occur in three steps. A break down of the future energy mix has yet to be released as well, however renewable and alternative energies will become a primary pillar of Japan's future energy strategy.