Newspaper link

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/22/business/hurdles-mar-japans-renewable-energy-equation/#.V7qToph97b0

Summary

The article highlights the obstacles that Japan faces in green energy production (and its eventual substitution of fossil fuels). It starts with a promising “attention-grabbing” project in Chiba Prefecture before turning the article around and focusing on the government’s approval of coal mines.

The article proceeds to show the structural inadequacies, public and private resistance, and biasness within Japan’s energy sector. The article attributes the lack of renewable energy focus due to the reduction in nuclear energy and the urgent need for coal/fossil fuel to fill in the gap.

Representation of Japan and the Environment

Japan was constantly represented as pushing for eco-friendly energy sources despite the obstacles faced. The “hurdles” mentioned represents both natural and man-made issues. These includes barriers to the grid, public perception of nuclear power and laziness towards renewables paints Japan as having to content with short-term coal measures given various limitations placed. Notably, the paper anchors Japan’s focus on the environment in relation to the fallout and reactionary measures from the 3/11 Fukushima fiasco.

The environment that is referred to in the paper is the “Human” environment and not the “Natural” one. This is discerned from government’s lack of attention and effort in meeting quotas set during climate change agreements. Instead, focusing on the well-being of society, ensuring that nature is able to serve the energy needs of the masses.

What makes Japan Green?

Despite the article being fixated on coal and forcing renewables to take a back seat, there are green elements that reinforce Japanese love for “green” and “nature”. First, the floating solar farm – slated to be one of the world’s largest – underpins the eco-friendly goals of Japan. This is described by Kirby as “eco symbols… [giving] a veneer of apparent ecological sensitivity” (2016: 69).

Although the solar industry is failing due to high barriers to the Grid, the initial boom captures their green intent. Additionally, the reliance on geothermal heat instead of electricity for onsen – even in present time – points to their green behaviour.

The government’s reduction of nuclear power plants also depicts a somewhat green approach aimed at preventing another 3/11 environmental problem – recognizing their weakness of being in an active tectonic region.

Ideas for Discussion

The article, analysed through political ecology frameworks, reveals the political and economic motivations of different players – government, public and private corporations – and how the environment is on the receiving end of the resultant degradation (Stott and Sullivan, 2000). The uneven power relations between renewable energy producers and fossil fuel corporations with regard to access of the Grid is a key element in the continued degradation of Japan’s environment –  through physical destruction from coal mines and carbon emissions.

Uneven power relations are also seen when the government produces knowledge in favour of their actions by giving flawed reasoning regarding baseload generators. Also, economic motivations and profits are placed over environmental concerns – seen via local resistance to geothermal energy. While it is indeed sustainable, the innkeepers’ refusal to cede their “access and control over resources” portrays the “complex relations” (2000: 257) of society and nature as described by Watts.

[500 words]

Bibliography

Kirby, P.W., 2016. Troubled natures: waste, environment, Japan. University of Hawai’i Press.

Stott, P.A. and Sullivan, S., 2000. Political ecology: science, myth and power.

Watts, M., 2000. Political ecology. A companion to economic geography, 257, p.274.

Article: “Flush, then fill up: Japan taps sewage to fuel hydrogen-powered cars A hydrogen filling station in Fukuoka, Japan.”

In this article, we learn that Japan is looking for more alternative fuel-energy sources, and they have now turned to what was once considered an unlikely source, one that is being flushed out from every household everyday: SEWAGE! Indeed, Japan is researching on ways to turn sewage into an energy source by producing hydrogen from the bio-gas, making it a cleaner form of energy.

This is not an unexpected development in alternative energy. In California, a similar facility was commissioned, but has since been non-operational. How is Japan progressing when even countries as advanced as the United States is giving signals that today’s technologies are not ready to further this development? This is made possible through the support of the Japanese government, and also strong collaboration between industrial powerhouses, Toyota and Mitsubishi, as well as the Kyushu University, paving the way for Japan to be at the forefront of this green technology.

Then again, where does all this energy go to? Based on the companies involved, you would probably have guessed it right: vehicles. Although Japan is already implementing emission standards (JAMA, n.d.), they are going to take another step further in making zero-emission vehicles a possibility through this technology, by harnessing the hydrogen produced for fuelling hydrogen-powered cars. Despite being setback by natural and man-made disasters, Japan is determined to make known their capabilities in hydrogen technologies at the 2020 Olympics (Deign, 2015).

However, they are not without setbacks. For one, this development is still in the preliminary phases; right now it is taking up massive government subsidies to make this venture profitable for companies. Estimates suggest that without the subsidies from the Japanese government, the cost of hydrogen fuel would far exceed its current market price. To be exact, production cost is ten times as much as the cost of hydrogen fuel in today’s market.

As we’ve learnt from the past, it took twenty years to transition to automatic transmission (Thornton, 1997) and another twenty years for Japan to transition today’s hybrid-electric vehicles (Makinen, 2016). To make hydrogen fuel viable, experts suggest that further subsidies are required to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles by the market (Nikkei, 2014). Only then would there be sufficient demand to make the market for hydrogen-powered vehicles viable.

Despite the vast powers of nature, the Japanese have been trying to shape nature with their hands, this time in the form of hydrogen technologies. Like “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, this article depicts a power struggle between man and nature; man is about to be consumed by a great wave, that is global warming, and the men are desperately trying their best to escape this calamity, unsure if their efforts will bear fruits. This technology is somewhat like Japan’s efforts to quell global warming, but it remains ever so uncertain as to whether their efforts would yield desirable results.

References

Deign, Jason (2015). Green Tech Media, “Japan Makes a Big Bet on the Hydrogen Economy“.Last accessed on 23 Aug 2016.

JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.) (n.d.).  “Japanese Government Incentives For The Purchase Of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles”. Last accessed on 23 Aug 2016.

Makinen, Julie (2016). Los Angeles Times, “Flush, Then Fill Up: Japan Taps Sewage To Fuel Hydrogen-Powered Cars“. Last accessed on 23 aug 2016.

Nikkei (Asian Review) (2014). Nikkei (Asian Review), “Japan’s Vision For Hydrogen Cars Lacks Oomph“. Last accessed on 23 Aug 2016.

Thornton, Emily. 1997. Bloomberg, “Japan’s Hybrid Cars“. Last accessed on 23 Aug 2016.

Summary

The article describes a growing trend of appreciating moss in Japan, from products which incorporate moss, tours to study moss, and even moss-themed activities such as a moss-ball-making workshop, and a moss mascot. It describes the Japanese affinity with moss by citing the moss metaphor in the national anthem, and how the personification of moss appeals to the Japanese psyche.

Representation of Japan and the environment

The Japanese are seen to be in harmony with the environment. They embrace aspects of nature in their lives through the inclusion of moss-products in their quotidian space, such as moss balls to be hung indoors, and moss finger rings. The article paints the Japanese biome as a bonanza of nature, marvelling at the diversity of moss species to be found in Japan. The Japanese are shown to be eagerly assimilating into this bountiful fudo (Kirby 75), through their study of moss and even engaging in moss-themed vacations offered by resorts.

What makes Japanese ‘green’

The article includes a few instances of Japanese reaction to nature. Manager Hattori mentions that the tending of moss elicits a response of growth, which is appealing to the Japanese. Deriving satisfaction from tending and nurturing nature invites us to see the Japanese as nature lovers, and hence ‘green’.

Prof. Higuchi tells Cambodian officials that moss on temples should be preserved. This constructs the Japanese as green because they promote living alongside nature, rather than separating it from their existence. The juxtaposition between Japan and Cambodia serves to distinguish Japan as greener due to their graceful inclusion of nature.

The article explains the Japanese fascination of moss as transcending mere aesthetic pleasure. It discusses the metaphor of moss, which is seen as intricate and complex, as “[satisfying] a Japanese love of fine detail”, while its toughness “provides a metaphor of permanence”. Because the Japanese are seen to identify with nature on a deeper level, it is implied that they have a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation for nature, thus reinforcing our perception of the Japanese as ‘green’.

Further Discussion

The affection for moss reinforces Kalland & Asquith’s assertion that “It is the small, gentle and intimate aspects of nature that are chosen… for praise in literature and the visual arts” (16). The passive profile of moss is easily ‘tamed’ into novel gifts and products, and can be safely observed on tours.

Ultimately, the depiction of Japanese here conforms to Kirby’s description of using “eco-symbols… [to] give a veneer of apparent ecological sensitivity” (69). Nature has been fetishised, becoming synonymous with the idea of an idyllic, agrarian way of life. It facilitates field trips to mountains and vacations; mediums of escape from the urban.

Interestingly, the article also offers a counterexample to Kirby’s statement that the “most telling commonality is the consistent prizing of the ephemeral in Japan” (83). Prof. Higuchi highlights the appeal of moss on rocks, which symbolises an enduring permanence, and how it is referenced even in the national anthem. Perhaps this is rooted in an appreciation of authenticity, which untouched moss indicates.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-japan-moss-gathers-new-fans-1446513218

1. Pfanner, Eric. “In Japan, Moss Gathers New Fans; Moss gathers new fans, who watch it grow and rock with it; Lady Gaga’s snub.” Wall Street Journal (Online), 2 Nov. 2015, wsj.com/articles/in-japan-moss-gathers-new-fans-1446513218. Accessed 17 Aug. 2016.

2. Kalland, Arne. and Asquith, Pamela. J. “Japanese perceptions of nature: ideals and illusions.” Japanese Images of Nature. Richmond, UK, Curzon, 1997.

3. Kirby, Peter Wynn. “The Cult(ures) of Japanese Nature.” Troubled natures: waste, environment, Japan. Honolulu, University of Hawai’i Press, 2011.

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/disposable-homes-japan-environment-lifespan-sustainability

This article describes how Japan’s disposable home culture is an environmental burden to the country. Today, a house in Japan has an average lifespan of 30 years, whereby 50% of houses are demolished within 38 years. House value also depreciates to near zero within the first 15 years. Since the past, Japan has been in a cycle of constant house demolition and restoration. During post-World War II period, most structures were destroyed and have to be built from scratch. However, these buildings were not of good quality and have to be rebuilt again. Till today, houses are still repeating this pattern but primarily to suit the government’s building code. This legal regulation will be reviewed every 10 years to adapt to earthquake risk. Instead of spending money to retrofit houses, most people just build new homes. This is not financially viable as people work hard to pay off mortgage that amounts to nothing. Most importantly, this breeds a range of environmental problems, especially for the construction sector.

In the disposable home culture, heaps of construction wastes are produced, and more than 80% of it could be recycled. Since the year 2000, Japan government passed a Law on Recycling of Construction-Related Materials. Concrete waste was recycled as roadbed gravel but there were more discarded concrete than roads available. Consequently, illegal dumping of construction wastes emerges and this accounts for 70% of illegally discarded waste nationwide. Even if waste were to be recycled, the process itself is energy exhaustive and yields less valuable materials than the ones discarded. To top it all, Japanese view houses as perishable and thus neglects proper maintenance of houses. Aggregating all these factors together, the construction industry is not environmentally friendly. Statistics shows the construction sector being the top emitter of carbon dioxide in Japan, releasing 244.78 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

It is tough for Japan to withdraw from this cycle, as their preference for wood as building material is a cultural phenomenon. This bandwagon effect is influenced by Japanese perception of nature, whereby their environment is considered benevolent. To maximize contact between inner and outer environments, the Japanese tend to rebuild their dwellings to adjust living spaces for changing conditions (Murato, 1985). Hence, wood as a major structural ingredient was chosen for its reproducibility and easy usage. However, most timber homes are made from imported woods, despite Japan being heavily forested. This inflates the carbon footprint of the construction industry, making it a culturally driven environmental problem.

One solution proposed by the author is to stop promoting home ownership, which corresponds to a 200-year home law. This would avert the need for houses to meet building standards and non-compliance would not warrant its people to pay tax. Providing more condominiums is a good option too. Additionally, renovation companies can promote green buildings and longer-lasting homes to create this necessary shift.

References

1) Braw, E. (2014, May 2). Japan’s disposable home culture is an environmental and financial headache. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/disposable-homes-japan-environment-lifespan-sustainability

2) Laws and Support Systems for Promoting Waste Recycling in Japan. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://nett21.gec.jp/Ecotowns/LawSupportSystems.pdf

3) Murota, Y. 1985. Culture and the environment in Japan. Environmental management, 9(2), 105-111.

The Editorial Board. (2014). A Ruling to Protect Whales. The New York Times, The Opinion Pages, April 1, 2014. Last Assessed October 26, 2014 at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/opinion/a-ruling-to-protect-whales.html

In this article, Japan was slapped with orders by the International Whaling Commission to stop its whaling activities in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Japan faced international condemnation for its killing of endangered whale species, and its scientific whaling programs were dismissed as fronts for commercial whaling, in light of a lack of visible results coming from such research. This article is evidently written in favor of the IWC, with the writer justifying the IWC “rightly [ordering] Japan to stop its whaling activities” and the writer advising Japan to stop its whaling activities so as to avoid further public condemnation.

This article is interesting because it presents a case of Japan being portrayed in a very negative light with regards to its relation with nature – i.e. its interaction with whales and its practice of whaling is condemned and seen as being un-environmental, a picture very unlike that we have seen in other aspects of the environmental discourse, where the Japanese tend to be lauded as an example to follow – in waste disposal, efficient energy usage and the like. Here, Japan does not come across as a national in harmony with nature, but rather existing in opposition to nature, whereby its relation with nature is characterized by unsustainable extraction and exploitation of nature.

At the same time, we see quite a bit of discrepancy and inconsistencies in the IWC’s logic behind conservation and anti-whaling. The ruling of the IWC was justified on the grounds of protecting endangered species, and Japan was issued a court order to revoke all whaling licenses. Yet, the four species of whales targeted for Japanese research – Minke, Sei, Bryde’s and Sperm – are not considered endangered despite their subjection to heavy whaling[1]. It is then questionable as to why these whale species should be protected from whaling activities, and questions the rationale behind IWC’s rulings. A representative of New Zealand was quoted saying that “The size of the whale populations is irrelevant. My government’s policy is that not a single whale should be killed; I ask the IWC to adopt measures in harmony with this policy.[2]“Such discrepancies in data and discourse cast more ambiguity on the issue of whaling and the rationale behind it.

While attitudes towards nature are critical in ensuring that human-nature interactions are carried out in a sustainable manner, the issue of whaling also reveals how interactions with nature are greatly determined by the society’s view on nature and the tendency to assign value to certain aspects of nature over others[3]. It also sheds light on how nature resources can be understood very differently by different people(s) based on history/ culture etc., thereby throwing into question the applicability of using international yardsticks to judge how green or how in sync with nature a country is.

Name of article: Responsibility for reactor restarts a hot potato

Link:http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/07/17/national/responsibility-for-reactor-restarts-a-hot-potato/#.VEzzsouUfO8

This article highlights the question on where the responsibility lies with regards to the plans to restart two reactors at Kyushu Electric Power Co’s nearby Sendai nuclear plant, which is located about 50 kilometers from Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano. The authority has repeatedly claimed that natural disasters like volcanic eruptions are unpredictable.  Following the meltdowns at the Fukashima Daiichi plant and eruption of Mount Ontake, concerns from the public, regarding the operational safety checks, has escalated. The public’s attention has fallen on the regulators, with many accusing them of being inadequate in the management of nuclear disasters. However, the both the government and the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) refused to take up responsibility of the touchy issue.

Being positioned on the “Ring of Fires” with more than 100 active volcanoes, it is literally impossible to prevent the occurrence of natural disasters. Furthermore, it is simply impossible to find a location that is hundred percent safe and economically viable to build a nuclear plant. Japan is constantly struggling with the need to uphold its “green nation” slogan and keep up with the world’s economy at the same time. Nevertheless, the trade off between environmental sustainability and economical progress has always been a challenge that most modern nations face. However, what that put Japan in an even more difficult position is its geographical constraints. It is necessary for Japan to activate nuclear power to reduce imports of “expensive fossil fuels, pushing electricity bills higher”, if the nation wants to achieve economic efficiently. From this aspect, the government is definitely more relevant in the matter of restarting the reactors.

 Obtaining nuclear power comes with a risk that is entirely unavoidable. One would not find fault with the occurrence of natural disasters, as it does not jeopardize the notion of “greenness” of a nation. In fact, it is part of the green and nature environment. However, what is problematic is the presence of human civilization in the midst of the greeneries. In light of the article, the greenness of Japan is only compromised when nuclear power intersects with the aftermath of a natural disaster. Therefore, as long as humans exists within the Japan’s national boundary, the demand for rapid economic development is nonnegotiable and Japanese have to be prepared to embrace the environmental threats that comes along with it.  In this case, the responsibility essentially falls on the government, since the national interest is at stake. The NRA can be viewed as merely an actor in the facilitation of the national economy.

Name of article: Surplus green energy eyed for fuel cell cars in Japan

Link: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001620485

http://transport.asiaone.com/news/general/story/surplus-green-energy-eyed-fuel-cell-cars-japan

My article is about a model project started by the Environment Ministry of Japan in which surplus electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power will be utilized to produce hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. A growing number of companies in the solar and wind power generation industries have established their business bases in Hokkaido, whose wide, open spaces are well suited to the setup of solar panels and wind turbines. It also highlights the benefit of utilizing power from renewable energy sources, stating that this would result in “lower carbon dioxide emissions than producing hydrogen from fossil fuels.” The government has set a target of building 100 hydrogen filling stations by the end of fiscal 2015, and also plans to install solar panels at these stations so hydrogen can be produced on-site. This project also coincides with Toyota’s introduction of its fuel cell vehicles on the market by 2015. Executives at Germany’s Volkswagen have also said that fuel cell vehicles are unlikely to catch on outside Japan, where the government wants a “hydrogen society” with fuel cells powering offices, homes, and cars.

In doing this, Japan perpetuates its “green” image by showing its aim to maximize the use of green energy and even using surplus power, as well as spreading the use of fuel cell vehicles. It paints a very idealistic picture of the project, only presenting the ministry’s plans and ideas in a positive light, without any mention of any possible problems or setbacks this project might face, or the responses of Japanese society. This also helps to boost the Japanese government’s public image, through demonstrating their efforts in becoming more environmentally friendly and the increasing use of renewable and greener energy sources, especially with the controversy over nuclear power. However, it remains to be seen whether Japan’s society will embrace fuel cell vehicles.

Also, although using renewable energy sources and producing hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles may appear to be more environmentally friendly as compared to using fossil fuels or nuclear energy, the establishment of solar panels, wind turbines and business bases by companies in places like Hokkaido with an abundance of wide open spaces are affecting nature and the environment. This echoes Kalland and Asquith’s point that “environmental features falling outside the valued aesthetic and symbolic boundaries tended to be ignored, considered irrelevant, or judged unappealing”, and “Japan’s appreciation for nature was limited and idealized.” This is demonstrated in how Hokkaido’s green plains are not seen as “aesthetically pleasing” in any way, and hence conveniently ignored, eventually being removed and replaced by industrial companies and solar panels or wind turbines. It accentuates the contradictory stance Japan has towards nature, where they ironically destroy nature to appear “environmentally conscious and friendly” by establishing alternative energy sources.

References:

Asquith, P. J. and Kalland, A. 1997. ‘Japanese Perceptions of Nature: Ideals and Illusions,’ in Japanese Images of Nature: Cultural Perspectives ed. Asquith, P. J. and Kalland, A., Curzon Press, UK: 1-35.

Name of article: Gov’t approves JR Tokai plan to build maglev line

Link: http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/govt-approves-jr-tokai-plan-to-build-maglev-line

This article from the online newspaper, Japan Today, reports that the Japanese government has just approved the construction of an ultra-fast train using the magnetic levitation technology from Tokyo to Nagoya, despite environmental concerns.

The train will reach a top speed of more than 500 km/hour, cutting the travel time with one hour to being just 40 minutes. Construction will be undertaken in early 2015 by The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai) and is expected to be complete in 2027 and cost 5.5 trillion yen, equal to 64.3 billion Singapore dollars.

The article tells that the plan has been praised by the government for its expected massive benefits on economy, connectivity and tourism for cities along the route. However it also mentions that concerns have been raised on the environmental impacts from the construction and the long-term operational effects.  As nearly 90 per cent of the 286-kilometer travel distance will be through tunnels there will be a lot of surplus soil from the excavations, and the article both refers to the transport minister and the Environment Ministry worrying about this issue, and the environment ministry furthermore asking JR Tokai for more info on the project’s impact on groundwater running down from the mountains.

It is noteworthy that the article really does not question how the project can be approved while even the public authorities have important unanswered questions on environmental impacts. And this article is actually among the only articles describing the approved plans, which elaborates on the environmental concerns. To me, this implies that the environmentally concerns are naturally subordinated to the economic concerns in this case, which we also found in some of the large construction cases involving nuclear plants and dams.

In other sources, some people have also raised concerns that once operational, the 286 km route with only four stops on the way will accelerate the concentration of the nation’s resources and activities in Tokyo. Having learned of the decreasing population and increasing urbanization and its implications for the rural areas as well as for the average Japanese’s relation to nature, one understands this concern.

Further readings and reference points:

• Information from JR Tokai on the project: http://english.jr-central.co.jp/company/others/_pdf/otherinformation-82.pdf
• Article by Tetsu Okazaki in The Japan News: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001652218
• Editorial in The Asahi Shimbun: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201410180020

Link: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/17/national/green-power-surge-reveals-contradiction-in-renewable-supply-utilities-demands/#.VEG_ifmSxqV

Article: Green power surge reveals contradiction in renewable supply, utilities’ demands

The article is about the positive growth of renewable electricity in Japan has encountered stagnation. Recently, Kyushu Electric, Okinawa Electric, Shikoku Electric, Tohoku Electric and Hokkaido Electric have announced to suspend their purchases under the feed-in-tariff (FIT) policy. To ensure the stable income of renewable energy companies, this policy requires Japan’s major power utilities to purchase all electricity which generated by green sources at certain fixed rates set by government. According to power firms, green electricity could be result in blackouts, causing by unstable output of electricity due to weather fluctuations and insufficient capacity of grid to transmit the oversupply of electricity.

From the article, it seems that Japan (especially Japanese government) is changing its image from ‘nuclear state Japan’ to ‘going green Japan’. As McCormack (2011) mentions, the struggles between Japan’s nuclear bureaucracy and civil society has entered into new era after 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident. 3 years later, Japan shows distinct growth in using renewable power and aims to achieve 30 percent of renewable energy in total electricity production by 2030. However, in the article, some people critics that these power utilities have strong desires on reopen the nuclear plants with the say that they require stable, efficient and cost-effective power supply. It shows the inconsistency of the blueprints among the nation and the region’s power utilities.

On top of that, the article shows two contradiction sides of Japan energy: green, eco-friendly and economical, profit driven. After the FIT policy was introduced, there were 11 gigawatt of renewable-power capacity (98% solar power) went online, tapping on high profit growth (Iwata 2014). As mentioned above, current grid does not have enough capacity to transmit the unstable electricity. The power utilities also claim that the demand of solar power is not as high as the expectation and question on the economic sustainability of upgrading the grid. To prompt the future of renewable energy even worse, METI has cut incentives on the solar projects in order to import fossil fuels. With the restrictions of region’s power firms, the renewable power firms might undergo a slow growth in the future.

In conclude, it could not simply assert any conclusion on the prospects of nuclear energy and renewable energy; the topic is still an ongoing debate. If the government wants to achieve the goal and assure the optimistic growth of renewable energy, it is important to ensure the stands of region’s power utilities are on the same page.

Bibliography:

Iwana, M. Oct 2014. ‘Japan to Examine Solar-Power Bottlenecks’. Retrieved from Wall Street Journal on 17 Oct 2014: http://online.wsj.com/articles/japan-to-examine-solar-power-bottlenecks-1412943664

McCormack, G. Sept 2011. ‘Hubris Punished: Japan as Nuclear State’. Synthesis/Regeneration: 56. WD Press: 39-42.

Additional Info:

Reuters. Oct 2014. ‘As Japan eyes nuclear restarts, renewables get shut out of grid’. Web link: http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/10/16/japan-solar-restrictions-idINL3N0RY0U620141016

The Asahi Shimbun. Oct 2014. ‘Editorial: Measures needed to prevent renewable energy boom from going bust’. Web link: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201410040038

Article: Japan’s first new geothermal power plant in 15 years to open next month

Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/10701440/Japans-first-new-geothermal-power-plant-in-15-years-to-open-next-month.html

The news article announces a new geothermal power plant that is scheduled to open in April this year, Japan’s first one since 1999. The power plant is located in Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu Island, and is built by the Chuo Electric Power Co. The article states that this is just the start of a string of other geothermal projects by several companies on top of Chuo Electric alone.

In the article, Japan is represented as a nation with a rich, abundant source of geothermal energy, since Japan has many volcanoes. Yet there has been low usage of geothermal power due to strong resistance from local communities of potential sites, and many such sites are located in government-protected national parks.

Geothermal energy is considered a “green” or greener source of sustainable energy, and is commonly touted as an alternative to relying on fossil fuels. Furthermore, geothermal energy is one of the few renewable energy technologies that can supply continuous power 24 hours a day (Union of Concerned Scientists). Japan’s renewed emphasis on geothermal energy is forward-looking as it allows the supply of energy with the “lowest environmental impact possible” (Demetriou, 2014).

Critically analyzing the representation of Japan as going greener, while it is true that geothermal energy is a cleaner and greener source of energy, it has its fair share of environmental risks that are not covered in the article. The construction of geothermal power plants significantly increase the possibility of earthquakes as the land is made unstable, and the release of toxic gases and metals are associated with geothermal reservoirs (Maehlum, 2013). The impacts of the new plant, and subsequent ones being planned, on the host communities and their environment, are unknown.

Secondly, it is mentioned in the article that many plants currently planned are circumventing local opposition to geothermal plants by scaling down the size of the plant and promising to revitalize the towns. Yet many plants have plans to expand their operations after they are launched. This brings to mind Aldrich’s article in which he asserts Japanese leaders view public opinion as malleable, and seek to align public opinion with national goals (Aldrich, 2012). Similarly, the opening of geothermal plants is a venture by the industry and highly supported by the government, at the risk of ignoring local environmental concerns.

Should the industry and government go ahead with geothermal energy without sufficient safety plans and engagement with the local community to adequately inform them of possible risks, a similar ‘safety myth’ could occur in these areas with new power plants (Onishi, 2011). It remains to be seen whether this renewed emphasis on geothermal energy would be a blessing or a curse to post-Fukushima Japan.

Bibliography:

Aldrich, D. P. (2012). Networks of Power: Institutions and local residents in post-Tohoku Japan. In J. Kingston, Natural Disaster and Nuclear Crisis in Japan (pp. 127-139). London & New York: Routledge.

Demetriou, D. (2014, Mar 16). Japan’s first new geothermal power plant in 15 years to open next month. Retrieved from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/10701440/Japans-first-new-geothermal-power-plant-in-15-years-to-open-next-month.html

Maehlum, M. A. (2013, June 1). Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons. Retrieved from Energy Informative: http://energyinformative.org/geothermal-energy-pros-and-cons/

Onishi, N. (2011, June 24). ‘Safety Myth’ Left Japan Ripe for Nuclear Crisis. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/world/asia/25myth.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Union of Concerned Scientists. How Geothermal Energy Works. Retrieved from Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-geothermal-energy-works.html#.VD5eoPmSwjp