"Local production for local consumption of energy" that meets the demand for local facilities with the electricity and heat produced in the region is spreading all over the country. Attempts to take advantage of the natural environment, such as small-scale hydroelectric power generation, woody biomass fuel using thinned wood from forests, and geothermal heat, are conspicuous. Utilizing renewable energy is expected not only to reduce carbon dioxide (CO²) emissions, but also to promote industry such as business expansion of local companies.
Tsuyama City in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture. The public and private sectors are considering an attempt to utilize mini hydroelectric power generation using running water to charge small electric vehicles (EVs) and electrically power assisted bicycles used in campsites. The power generator was installed by ELIS (Okayama City), which manufactures and sells environmental protection equipment. Using the water from the floodway owned by JA Sunny Country Okayama (Kurashiki City, the same prefecture), the water turbine can rotate even with a low head and a small flow rate, and it can generate electricity efficiently.
The electric appliances are stored in the power storage device installed by ELIS in the campground. Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. "Coms" can be charged in about 7 to 8 hours. It can also be used to charge mobile phones in the event of a power outage due to a disaster.
"Low-carbon town"
The mini hydroelectric power generation equipment was installed as part of the "sustainable low-carbon town" shown in the Second Basic Environmental Plan formulated by Tsuyama City. The city supports mini hydropower projects in terms of adjusting water rights and national licensing procedures. ···(Excerpt)