TOKYO, Nov 25, 2008 -- Asia In Focus

Japan's utilities are increasing the amount of wind-generated power they purchase in response to a government policy aimed at promoting the use of alternative energy sources, a trend that could spark investment in this field. As of the end of last fiscal year, wind turbines capable of generating a total of about 1.67 million kilowatts were operating in Japan.

* Six utilities serving northern Japan and Kyushu -- regions where winds are strong -- have raised the maximum amount of power that they can buy from wind turbine operators by about 1 million kilowatts combined, or just under 50 per cent.

* In the Tohoku region of northern Japan, where some 30 per cent of the nation's wind power generation capacity is concentrated, Tohoku Electric Power Co. (TSE:9506) had initially set the maximum amount of wind-generated power that it buys at 520,000kw but with the output of wind turbines in operation there having increased to 470,000kw, the utility raised the maximum to 850,000kw earlier this month.

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