Japanese municipalities offer renewable energy via tax donation system

Japanese municipalities are expanding the use of the ‘Furusato Nozei’ tax donation system to provide renewable energy as a return gift. Miyazaki Prefecture has launched an initiative where donors can receive electricity generated from local hydroelectric and solar power plants. Through a partnership with the company UPDATER, 30% of the donation amount can be applied directly to electricity bills.

Similarly, Watarai Town in Mie Prefecture has seen its renewable energy donation program surpass 400 million yen in cumulative donations. To simplify the process, the town and UPDATER are transitioning from a point-exchange system to a method where the return gift amount is directly credited to monthly electricity bills. These programs aim to promote decarbonization and regional revitalization by connecting national donors with local clean energy resources.