[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting of the Ministerial Council on Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Related Issues at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on measures to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy and to realize a hydrogen-based society.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

"Japan will be the first in the world to realize a hydrogen-based society. I request that relevant ministers formulate the basic strategy within this year so that the Government can work as one to achieve this.

In particular, I would like you to create a framework to accelerate the establishment of hydrogen stations, in order to promote the use of fuel cell vehicles to a scale of over 40,000 by 2020, and also conduct comprehensive inspections that take into consideration comparisons of overseas regulations and domestic gas stations, so as to streamline regulations on hydrogen stations.

The key to building international hydrogen supply chains, from production through to transport and consumption, is hydrogen power generation that creates large-scale and stable hydrogen demand. Toward the building of supply chains and the full-scale introduction of hydrogen power generation, I ask that you formulate a common scenario that will form the basis of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. 

In regard to renewable energy, we will promote its introduction even more strongly than before. I would like the relevant ministers to work together to steadily implement the action plan determined today."