“Waited” for renewable energy The background is 17:49 on March 9

“Renewable energy” is said to be “friendly to both the earth and people”.

Do you know that "wait" is hanging in various places now?

Since last year, large-scale wind power generation plans have been withdrawn or reviewed one after another due to opposition from local residents.

This is a report from the Miyagi site about what is happening.

(Sendai Broadcasting Station Reporter Taisuke Uchiyama)

150 wind power generators!

Residents' Shock

First, I headed to Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, where a review of the wind power generation plan was decided in January.

Mr. Hirotsugu Kaga, a citizen's group opposed to the plan, gave us an explanation on the riverbed where we could see the planned construction site.

Mr. Kaga moved from Tokyo to Miyagi eight years ago, attracted by the rich nature.

Mr. Hirotsugu Kaga

: “There are swans flying over there.

The number of windmills planned here is 24.

There are other wind power projects in the surrounding area, and it turned out that more than 150 units are planned to be built in total.

It is said that Kaga could not hide his surprise when he learned this number.

Ms. Kaga

: “I was horrified. I thought I would end up surrounded by windmills because of the number.”

There is a wetland near the planned construction site where many migratory birds gather, and we are concerned about the impact on the precious ecosystem.

It is said that the company's explanation for this was not sufficient.

Mr. Hirotsugu Kaga:

"We want to avoid birds dying from being hit by wind power generation facilities. If we sense the enthusiasm of business operators to do something for the environment, we will open our hearts, but I don't have the impression that we came from outside. There is no need for such renewable energy in this area.”

“Miscalculations” of operators

On the other hand, how does the business operator who has decided to review the plan take this situation?

I headed to Sapporo where the office is located.

This is Toru Suzuki, the president.

Currently, we are constructing and operating 45 wind power generation facilities nationwide.

Toru Suzuki, president of a wind power generation company,

"I've been thinking about how to revitalize this area."

The slogan is "coexistence with the local community."

I have also put a lot of effort into explaining that it is essential to understand the local community.

First, an overview of the plan was given, followed by an explanation of safety and environmental impact.

Lastly, I talked about the company's contribution to the local community.

There are also facilities that solicit investment from citizens and return profits earned from power generation to residents.

Under this plan, we have held 26 briefing sessions, both large and small, over the past three years.

However, before I could talk about contributing to the community, I received a series of opposing opinions, and I was forced to review the plan.

President Suzuki

: “Honestly, I didn’t expect it. It was an atmosphere that I had never experienced before.

What was the problem?

We are now reviewing the process so far.

President Suzuki

: "It's in the migratory route, so I feel like it's natural to be concerned (for migratory birds)."

Person in charge

: “Where should I have talked about local contributions?”

Person in charge

: “What this business is saying is true, can we trust it? I think there is a difference between understanding and trusting.”

What will renewable energy bring to the region?

I feel an unprecedented change in the awareness of the residents.

President Suzuki

: "From the beginning, I thought it was necessary to discuss with everyone from a little earlier stage the significance of this initiative, or what kind of benefits it would have for the local community. I want to use it as a lesson.”

Expert “Consensus building between residents and businesses is a big issue”

In the power source composition shown in the national energy basic plan, the goal is to double the ratio of renewable energy from 36% to 38% by 2030.

In response to these policies, the amount of wind power installed has nearly doubled over the past ten years.

On the other hand, in addition to Miyagi, which was introduced this time, there are a number of cases where wind power generation plans are forced to be withdrawn or reviewed in Aomori and Mie.

As for the background, experts familiar with the relationship between renewable energy and local communities point out that with the increase in wind power generation, there are more cases of construction in places close to people's lives.

Masafumi Hiroki, Program-Specific Associate Professor, Institute of Economic Research, Kyoto University

: “In Japan, the wind conditions are good, and there is little impact on the natural environment and landscape. I don't think there are that many remaining, but it is true that there are plans to build (wind power generation facilities) in places with good scenery and natural environments. ”

Program-Specific Associate Professor Hiroki said, "The need for renewable energy will not change in the future." I am saying that it is necessary.

Program-Specific Associate Professor Hiroki

“We are beginning to see demerits, such as the loss of value as a tourist destination and the detriment of the environment. It's not easy to see it in the plan.For example, it would be nice if business operators could think about what they can do for the region by effectively using the know-how and resources that they have, not just money. I think it is difficult to build a consensus, but it is a matter that determines the future of the region, so it is necessary for residents to think about how to utilize renewable energy.”

Interview postscript

The transformation of energy that the nuclear accident has thrust.

I felt that business operators, residents, and local governments need to think more seriously than ever about how to balance the promotion of renewable energy, conservation of the natural environment, and living.

We will continue to collect information on how we will handle the future of energy, which is now inseparable from human activity.

Sendai Broadcasting Station Reporter

Taisuke Uchiyama

Joined the station in 1996.

After working in the science and culture department and the Fukui and Niigata stations,

he has long covered energy issues such as nuclear power plants.