Japan's efforts to achieve its midterm goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions will cost each household $810 a year, a government panel estimate showed today.
The government has been promoting the use of advanced, low-emission vehicles, solar-power generation and other energy-saving measures with various programs, with the public expected to be forced to share part of the burden of financing.
In June, Japan announced it would reduce its emissions by 15 per cent compared with 2005 levels by 2020.
The estimate, made by a subcommittee of the industry ministry's Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy, also shows the government needs some ¥49 trillion for the policies necessary to achieve its emissions goal.
The amount is close to the size of general expenditures in Japan's initial state budget for the current fiscal year, said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.