What is New Energy Foundation?

Rationale and Role of the New Energy Foundation

The New Energy Foundation (NEF) was established in September, 1980 when the necessity of securing a stable energy supply was widely recognized in Japan following the oil crises in 1974 and 1979.
The NEF is a non-profit organization which aims at promotion of the development and utilization of such new energy resources (new energy means hereafter new/renewable energy) as solar energy, geothermal energy, wind power, biomass, waste heat energy and fuel cells, and expanding the utilization of small-to-medium-scale hydroelectric power as well as clean coal technology.
The NEF conducts various surveys and studies relating to the development and utilization of new energy and submits proposals to the government at the aim of these proposals being incorporated in government policy-making. All the proposals are made with the consensus of the related industries.
The activities of the NEF are supported and funded by the member companies (215), including public utilities and various industries involved in the development of the new energy.

NEF Organization

As illustrated in the following diagram, the New Energy Foundation is composed of a Secretariat a public Relations Office, and five Centers (as of Jan. 2001).