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Wind Power News: Japan
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
As Japan makes major investments in wind power, some residents are pushing back
About a 40-minute drive to the north from central Sapporo lies the Sea of Japan port of Ishikari, a city rich in biodiversity that now finds itself at the heart of a fierce debate over wind power as Japan scrambles to decarbonize its energy sector. In a sense, Ishikari represents the idealized version of Hokkaido for many Japanese as well as for foreign tourists: Its coastal waters are famous for their seafood, while the city’s nature trails and parks are . . . Complete story »
Wind farm plan in Hokkaido called threat to endangered fish
Environmental groups are demanding the suspension of a wind power plant project in Hokkaido, saying it could devastate the population of “ito” (Japanese huchen), an endangered species of salmonid freshwater fish. The Environment Ministry has also cited the need for major revisions to the project. Japan Renewable Energy Corp. (JRE), a Tokyo-based company affiliated with Eneos Corp., a major oil company, is in charge of the wind power project. JRE has indicated it is open to changes. “We are aware . . . Complete story »
Bill submitted to restrict windpower construction that interferes with defense radar
The Japanese government is set to submit a new bill to a regular diet session convening early next year to restrict the construction of wind farms as they can potentially interfere with the Self-Defense Forces’ radar systems, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. The legislation will obligate businesses to notify the government of their construction plans if those facilities are built in areas designated by the defense minister, according to the sources. In cases where the government determines that . . . Complete story »
Internal email sheds light on wind-power bribery scandal
A former president of Japan Wind Development, currently at the center of a bribery scandal, told executives of the firm that he had asked a lawmaker to make a parliamentary statement in connection with the company’s operations, informed sources said Saturday. Masayuki Tsukawaki, 64, sent an email to multiple Japan Wind Development executives saying that he urged House of Representatives member Masatoshi Akimoto, 48, who was arrested for allegedly receiving bribes, to ask a question in the country’s parliament about . . . Complete story »
Prosecutors question Japan lawmaker over wind farm bribery case
Tokyo prosecutors have questioned lower house member Masatoshi Akimoto on a voluntary basis over allegations that he received tens of millions of yen from a wind power company, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s special investigation squad is expected to decide whether to build a bribery case against the former ruling Liberal Democratic Party member, known as an advocate of renewable energy. The president of Japan Wind Development Co., Masayuki Tsukawaki, has decided . . . Complete story »
Transition to “clean energy” is hurting Indigenous communities
When Francisco Calí Tzay, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, spoke at the 22nd United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, or UNPFII, last week, he listed clean energy projects as some of the most concerning threats to their rights. “I constantly receive information that Indigenous Peoples fear a new wave of green investments without recognition of their land tenure, management, and knowledge,” said Calí Tzay. His statements – and those made by other delegates – at . . . Complete story »
Japan suspends wind power projects over threat to endangered birds
The central and local governments have suspended a number of wind farm construction projects over concerns about the protection of endangered birds. Japan is currently pursuing wind power as a source of clean energy with an eye on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but fears have also been voiced over wind turbine strikes on rare avian species. There have been many cases in which imperiled birds of prey – including golden eagles and mountain hawk-eagles – have been killed in bird strikes both . . . Complete story »
Akimoto quits LDP as wind farm bribery case heats up
Prosecutors on Aug. 5 searched the home of the president of a wind farm developer as part of a bribery investigation, triggering the resignation of a ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker who is also embroiled in the case. Investigators with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched the home of Masayuki Tsukawaki, 64, in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward. Tsukawaki is president of Japan Wind Development Co. On Aug. 4, investigators searched the offices of Masatoshi Akimoto, 47. That same day, Akimoto . . . Complete story »
Sojitz cancels Hokkaido wind project on costs, local objections
Japanese trading company Sojitz Corp. canceled its plan to build a wind power plant in Hokkaido, amid soaring material costs and growing local criticism about the environmental impact of the project. “After re-examining the business plan from various perspectives, including the recent sharp rise in material prices, we have concluded that this project does not meet Sojitz’s investment criteria,” the company in a statement on Saturday. The decision adds to a recent trend of wind project cancellations, likely creating a . . . Complete story »
Onshore wind power projects face local opposition in northeast Japan
Several wind power plant construction projects in the Tohoku region are facing opposition from local mayors and residents concerned over potential damage to the environment. In the last several months alone, a number of projects have been scrapped in the face of strong opposition, though one particular project is moving ahead after the operator coordinated closely with locals. According to one expert, projects that are green-lighted have a common theme: Companies deal sincerely with the concerned local communities. On Dec. . . . Complete story »
