2 JAPAN’S ENERGY POLICY AND COMMUNITY POWER …
47
The Fukushima Recovery Projects
of Solar PV in Fukushima Prefecture
After the Fukushima nuclear accident, Fukushima recovery projects
promoting solar energy started in Fukushima Prefecture, especially in the
Aizu region in the western part of this prefecture, more than 90 km
away from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The Aizu Electric Power
Company (Ai-power) was established in August 2013, following meetings
on recovery and renewable energy that had been held since November
2011. Ai-Power president, Sat¯ o Yaemon, is the owner of a local sake
brewing company with a history of more than 320 years. Ai-power is
aiming within the next ten years to widely disseminate knowledge about
the existence of alternative energy forms that can replace nuclear generation of electricity. Keeping the safety of the public as the top priority, the
company continually is striving for the best possible alternative energy
sources for the Aizu community to improve its economy and culture for
future generations.
Ai-power has 51 solar PV sites consisting of mainly 50 kW sites, with
a total installed generating capacity of 4326 kW. It had received a total of
99.8 million yen in investments from citizens as of the end of December
2017. The largest facility is a 1000 kW site in Kitakata city. In order to
show the younger generations how sustainable energy and a sustainable
lifestyle can lead to a peaceful community, this company is stressing the
role of visible small-size sites located in many places and built in collaboration with municipalities. Ai-power has enjoyed nationwide media coverage
many times.
The International Community Power Conference was held in Kitakata,
Aizu area, and other cities in Fukushima Prefecture from January 31 to
February 1, 2012. The Fukushima Community Power Declaration was
published on February 2, 2012, to launch the “community power alliance
for 21st century” and the “Fukushima community power fund.” The
First World Community Power Conference was held in Fukushima City
in November 2016, in conjunction with the 15th World Wind Energy
Conference WWEC2016, Tokyo (WWEA 2016). Both conferences were
managed by Iida Tetsunari, the founder of Institute for Sustainable
Energy Policies (ISEP) and an advocator of community power in Japan.
Tomioka Recovery Solar Project in Fukushima Prefecture. A 33 MW PV
solar project has been built on 34 hectares in Tomioka town, which is
47
The Fukushima Recovery Projects
of Solar PV in Fukushima Prefecture
After the Fukushima nuclear accident, Fukushima recovery projects
promoting solar energy started in Fukushima Prefecture, especially in the
Aizu region in the western part of this prefecture, more than 90 km
away from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The Aizu Electric Power
Company (Ai-power) was established in August 2013, following meetings
on recovery and renewable energy that had been held since November
2011. Ai-Power president, Sat¯ o Yaemon, is the owner of a local sake
brewing company with a history of more than 320 years. Ai-power is
aiming within the next ten years to widely disseminate knowledge about
the existence of alternative energy forms that can replace nuclear generation of electricity. Keeping the safety of the public as the top priority, the
company continually is striving for the best possible alternative energy
sources for the Aizu community to improve its economy and culture for
future generations.
Ai-power has 51 solar PV sites consisting of mainly 50 kW sites, with
a total installed generating capacity of 4326 kW. It had received a total of
99.8 million yen in investments from citizens as of the end of December
2017. The largest facility is a 1000 kW site in Kitakata city. In order to
show the younger generations how sustainable energy and a sustainable
lifestyle can lead to a peaceful community, this company is stressing the
role of visible small-size sites located in many places and built in collaboration with municipalities. Ai-power has enjoyed nationwide media coverage
many times.
The International Community Power Conference was held in Kitakata,
Aizu area, and other cities in Fukushima Prefecture from January 31 to
February 1, 2012. The Fukushima Community Power Declaration was
published on February 2, 2012, to launch the “community power alliance
for 21st century” and the “Fukushima community power fund.” The
First World Community Power Conference was held in Fukushima City
in November 2016, in conjunction with the 15th World Wind Energy
Conference WWEC2016, Tokyo (WWEA 2016). Both conferences were
managed by Iida Tetsunari, the founder of Institute for Sustainable
Energy Policies (ISEP) and an advocator of community power in Japan.
Tomioka Recovery Solar Project in Fukushima Prefecture. A 33 MW PV
solar project has been built on 34 hectares in Tomioka town, which is