The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in Japan has unveiled a solar energy strategy aimed at expanding solar deployment and driving the development of next-generation technologies. The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Launched in April 2025, this strategy focuses on five key technological initiatives designed to advance solar technology and broaden its applications. These initiatives emphasize the development of next-generation solar cells, promote the widespread adoption of solar power systems, and address diverse market demands. Additionally, the plans aim to ensure long-term stability of electricity supply and establish a recycling system driven by a circular economy.
NEDO has announced that it will initiate projects for expanding solar power generation and technological development in the 2025 fiscal year, which supports decarbonization efforts. As outlined in Japan’s seventh basic energy plan, approved in February, this initiative will help accelerate the transition to sustainable solar energy. The target is for renewable energy to account for 40% to 50% of Japan’s energy mix by 2040, with solar energy representing 23% to 29% of that total.
The new strategy builds on previous roadmaps, such as PV2030 (2004), PV2030+ (2009), PV Challenge (2014), and PV Challenge 2020 (2020), aiming to tackle four major challenges associated with large-scale solar deployment: land limitations for installations, diverse market demands, long-term operational stability, and managing the recycling of decommissioned modules.
NEDO’s technology program will concentrate on the development of next-generation solar cells, including high-efficiency technologies such as perovskite, tandem, and III-V compound cells, to maintain global competitiveness. The organization also aims to create cost-effective photovoltaic components and installation methods, with a particular focus on flexible solar cells. Furthermore, NEDO plans to support innovations such as automotive-integrated solar solutions and aesthetically designed buildings to meet a variety of market needs.
In addition, NEDO will enhance operations and maintenance (O&M) technologies, solar forecasting, and safety guidelines to ensure the long-term stability of emerging solar technologies. The goal is to improve the separation and recycling processes of photovoltaic components, promoting resource-saving circular economies.
Starting in mid-April, NEDO plans to publicly solicit projects under the “Solar Power Expansion and Technological Development Plan.”
