Wind Power News: Japan
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
No rush to turn to renewables
Since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami severely damaged the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, faith in renewable energy sources has spread fast in many corners of the world as an emissions-free means of generating electricity. But placing excessive expectations on renewable energy sources could backfire on the Japanese economy and industry. Major European countries like Germany, Switzerland and Italy have decided to do away with nuclear power. In Japan, major projects have been set afoot in Japan, each . . .
Japan pins hopes on green power laws, risks abound
Japan’s lawmakers have the opportunity to show how strong their support is for boosting renewable power supply to replace nuclear reactors with the passage of a green energy subsidy scheme likely within days. The country is struggling to overhaul its energy policies after the March quake and tsunami triggered a nuclear disaster that shattered the public’s confidence in the safety of the atomic industry and delayed the restart of idled plants. Costly oil and gas imports have soared. There is . . .
Govt to require green impact studies for wind farms
The government plans to make environmental assessments mandatory before any wind power station capable of generating at least 10,000kw can be constructed. The Ministry of Environment on Tuesday released a draft ordinance aimed at adding wind farms to the list of structures regulated by the Environmental Impact Assessment Law. Studies will determine the distance noise can carry and evaluate the impact on the surrounding ecology, including the risk of birds colliding with facilities. The ministry will seek cabinet approval as . . .
Kansai Electric curbs wind farm over noise concerns
A utility in western Japan said on Friday it will limit planned operations at its first wind farm to take account of residents’ concerns about noise, highlighting a snag in the nation’s efforts to encourage renewable energy. Kansai Electric Power Co said it would cut the capacity of the wind farm on Awaji Island, about 70 km (40 miles) west of Osaka, to 14 megawatts using seven turbines, and limit nighttime operations to four of the turbines. The utility, which . . .
Fact-finding study about wind power noise
TOKYO –The Ministry of the Environment has compiled the results of a questionnaire survey it conducted to ascertain the facts of noise and low-frequency sound caused by wind power facilities installed in Japan. Of the 389 sites of wind power facilities nationwide for which responses were received, the survey found that 64 had received complaints about noise and low-frequency sound. The Ministry intends to conduct the survey on an on-going basis and shed light on the facts of noise and . . .
New rules stymie investments in wind power
The government’s new system for promoting renewable energy could ironically dampen the enthusiasm of wind power generation companies to build new facilities. Under the planned system, established power companies will be required to purchase all the electricity generated through renewable sources such as wind and sunlight at prices higher than existing levels. However, wind power companies have been reluctant to invest in new projects because details have yet to be finalized. The purchase price of the electricity, for example, a . . .
Sickness claims prompt study of wind turbines
Turbines used for wind power generation, pushed as a promising renewable energy source, will come under government scrutiny because of the possible impact on the health of residents. The Environment Ministry will conduct its first field survey of possible health hazards of wind turbines, covering all of more than 1,500 units in operation across the country. The four-year study, to start in April, was planned following complaints from neighborhood residents about noise and environmental problems as well as health issues. . . .
