Before contacting the secretariat, please refer to this FAQ first.
About the GDC Renewable Energy Council(GDC REC)
Q: What is the background of the establishment of the council?
A: The council was established in response to the energy crisis caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. As a group of major energy-consuming cities with a population greater than 500,000, government-designated cities (GDCs) mayors agreed that it is necessary for them to promote and expand renewable energy to prevent a similar crisis in the future.
Q: What is the membership structure?
A: The council consists of all 20 GDCs in Japan as municipality members and corporate members who endorse the council’s principle.
Q: What are the main activities?
A:Main activities include networking events among members and policy proposals to promote and expand the use of renewable energy.
The council organizes events where members could learn about up-to-date renewable energy-related policies and regulations as well as initiatives led by other cities and the private sector.
The municipality members also create and submit policy proposals to the Japanese government to convey renewable energy-related issues they face and request system reform and deregulation at a national level.
Q: Is the “Renewable Energy Council” and “GDC Renewable Energy Council” a different organization?
A: Yes, they are two different organizations. The Renewable Energy Council consists of 34 prefectural municipality members and corporate members. For more information, please refer to the Renewable Energy Council’s website.
About the Corporate Membership
Q: How can one become a corporate member?
A: Please contact the council secretariat for your interest by email (see below). Please note that all activities and information provided for corporate members are available only in Japanese language.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the GDC REC as a corporate member?
A: Corporate members could participate in networking opportunities with mayors and GDCs’ energy-related officers and top-notch renewable energy companies, scholars, and policy-makers. In addition, the council keeps corporate members updated on the latest renewable energy initiatives and news via newsletters.
Q. Can an individual become a member?
A: Unfortunately, individuals cannot become a member of the council. Only corporations and organizations which endorse the council’s principle are permitted.
For more details, please refer to the GDC REC’s Membership Agreement (available in Japanese language only).
Q. How much is the membership fee?
A: The annual corporate membership fee is 30,000 JPY (tax-exempt) per year. The membership period is from April to March of the following year. Details of the payment will be informed after your enrollment.