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2013 July 3 - 9 [ENVIRONMENT]

Japan’s northernmost city uses alternative energy as major source for electricity

As a result of its 20-year long effort, Japan’s northernmost city of Wakkanai produces 90% of its electricity from alternative energy sources.

Wakkanai City in Hokkaido, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, has a population of about 38,000. The annual average wind at 20 meters above the ground in the city is seven meters, higher than the level considered as appropriate for wind power generation (six meters).

In addition to ones run by private firms, the city owns two wind power plants. The electricity produced at the two stations is used to operate water purification plants and water lifting pumps.

Saeki Tatsuya, chief of the environment and energy section of the municipal office, said proudly, “Water in our city is provided to residents with the use of wind power.”

The city also operates a solar power plant capable of generating 5,000 kilowatts of electricity. The local government estimates that it will make 140 million yen this fiscal year by selling electricity generated at the plant.

With the planned start of operations of another wind power plant by a local private firm in 2016, the city’s energy self-sufficiency rate is expected to exceed 100%.

Saeki stated, “We have suffered from depopulation, a low birthrate, and an aging population. Now, by making the best use of alternative energy’s potential, we will be able to develop our city.”

Wakkanai City Mayor Kudo Hiroshi calls on the national government to swiftly strengthen power grids. Because of the weak grid system, the city cannot transmit and sell its electricity to the central part of Hokkaido, the major power consumer.

Strengthening of a long-distant distribution network will enable Wakkanai City to send surplus electricity it generates to the Tokyo Metropolitan area. “It is possible for Wakkanai to become a major power supplier,” said the mayor.