A World Trade Organization panel Wednesday released a report supporting arguments made by Japan and the European Union over a Canadian province’s preferential treatment for local firms in promoting renewable energy, Kyodo news reported, citing Japanese officials.
The government of Ontario required a certain percentage of components for solar and wind power generation systems to be procured in the province when it introduced a feed-in tariff system in 2009, the report said. Japan and the European Union argued the move violated WTO rules.
If Canada chooses not to appeal, the panel’s finding will become a ruling of the WTO dispute-settlement body, the report said.
According to the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, it is the first judgment reached in a WTO trade dispute over renewable energy.
Click here to read the story.
