[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