Information Session on Small Hydropower Generation Held

Norikura Kogen Miraiz aims to create a sustainable local community through interaction based on the three elements of environment, lifestyle, and tourism.

In the "environment" area, we aim to contribute to addressing the climate change challenges we face by achieving zero carbon in the Norikura Plateau region, ahead of the rest of the world, from the perspectives of tourism, economy, and resilience.

With this vision in mind, Norikura Highlands was selected as a national model project "Decarbonization Leading Region" in April 2022, and concrete efforts will be undertaken to achieve "virtually zero" carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generated by homes, accommodation facilities, etc. by 2030.

Small-scale hydroelectric power generation is the key to achieving this regional decarbonization in Norikura Plateau.

In the cold, steeply-topographed Norikura Plateau, we will develop a locally-produced, locally-consumed small hydroelectric power generation facility as a means of stably procuring renewable energy, and achieve decarbonization by supplying the generated electricity within the region.

Furthermore, the construction of this small-scale hydropower facility will not only achieve decarbonization, but will also create a system in which part of the profits generated from small-scale hydropower generation can be used to solve local issues and improve the quality of life by carrying out the project in which the local community participates.

Therefore, in September 2022, a small-scale hydroelectric power generation project team was established within the Norikura Kogen Miraizu Concept Council, and the local community is taking the lead in considering small-scale hydroelectric power generation facilities.

On June 27, 2023, an information session for local residents (Onogawa Ward) regarding small-scale hydroelectric power generation was held under the auspices of the Planning Council Project Team.

The project team leader once again explained the positioning of small-scale hydropower generation and the progress of the study to date, and Satoyama Energy Co., Ltd., which has expertise in the development of small-scale hydropower generation facilities, explained the results of the environmental survey (flow rate survey) conducted in 2022 and the proposed facility layout.

The changes to the region that will be brought about by the development of small hydroelectric power generation facilities were explained from both the perspectives of concerns and expectations, and questions and opinions were exchanged.

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As a result of the briefing session and taking into account the results of the environmental survey, the general consensus in the Norikura area was to support the small-scale hydroelectric power generation project on the Oono River and to proceed with the project.

Going forward, specific consideration will be given to establishing a business entity in which the local community can participate and a model for returning profits to the local community, while the design of the power generation facility will also progress.

The local community will take the lead in building a power generation facility that will connect to the future of Norikura for the children and grandchildren of the region.
The Norikura Highlands Miraiz Concept Council's small-scale hydroelectric power generation project team will continue to be involved in reviewing the business plan and will provide information to local residents on the status of the project review, etc.

We will also promote this initiative both domestically and internationally as a model case for achieving regional decarbonization in an area with a national park.