12 September 2011: The Renewable Energy Global Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) has published a guest article by Christine Lins, REN21 Secretariat, on occasion of the launch of the Japan Renewable Energy Foundation (JREF).

The article notes that the JREF proposes a new energy policy looking towards 2030, focusing on the legal and institutional frameworks required for the broad deployment of renewables. The JREF will also examine market liberalization and phases of national, regional and continental “super grids.” The piece notes that the JREF aims to work in three main areas, namely policy innovation, technology business development, and advocacy and grant programmes.

The JREF was founded by Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SOFTBANK Corp., one of Japan’s leading telecommunications companies, in the aftermath of the Fukushima tsunami and nuclear incidents. [REN21 Press Release]