Alternative Energy Development in Japan



Japan is a densely populated country, unused land is scarce. Thus developing alternative energy sites in the Japanese market is more difficult compared with other markets. One possibility is to use near-shore installations or even offshore installations to take advantage of wind energy.

Going offshore, is more expensive. The construction of foundations on the sea bed is not cheap. But the stronger winds winds that blow offshore can offset the higher costs. The Japanese are getting more and more competitive with their equipment. The price — if you measure it per kilowatt-hour produced — is dropping, due to the production of more efficient turbines.

The Japanese's increased interest in wind energy is not surprising if you compare it to other renewable energy sources - wind is by far the most competitive today.

One company that is investing heavily in Japan is Vestas Wind Systems of Denmark. "If we're able to utilize sites close to the sea or at sea with good wind machines, then the price per kilowatt-hour is competitive against other sources of energy," says Svend Sigaard, president and CEO of Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine maker. Sigaard believes Japan is ready for the fruits hat investments int9o alternative energy research and development will bring.


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The Japanese know that they cannot become subservient to the energy supply dictates of foreign nations — World War II taught them that, as the US decimated their oil supply lines and crippled their military machine. They need to produce energy of their own. Being an isolated island nation with few natural resources that are conducive to energy production as now defined, Japan is very open to foreign investment and foreign development. The Japanese are a prime prospect for technological innovation that can make them independent. Allowing corporations such as Vestas to get the nation running on a higher percentage of wind-produced energy is just one step the Japanese people are taking.

The production of energy through what are known as microhydoelectric power plants has also been catching on in Japan. Japan has myriad rivers and mountain streams, and these are ideally suited places for the setting up of microhydroelectric power plants. "Microhydroelectric" energy plants are defined by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization as power plants run by water which have a maximum output of 100 kilowatts or less. By comparison, “minihydroelectric” power plants can put out up to 1000 kilowatts of electrical energy.

In Japan, the small-scaled mini- and micro-hydroelectric power plants were first regarded as only being suitable for creating electricity in mountainous regions, but recent refinements in the technology has made it possible for the small power plants to be placed in Japanese cities as well. Kawasaki City Waterworks, Japan Natural Energy Company, and Tokyo Electric Power Company have all been involved in the development of small-scale hydroelectric power plants within Japanese cities.

Japan well recognizes its need for sustainable and independent energy sources and is working to find the best alternative energy sources suited for this island nation.

About the Author

Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, On The Hook | Fishing Guide, Great Food | Great Recipes, Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, To The Stars | Astronomy, and Drive The Future | Hybrid Cars.

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