Strategies that Enable Community-contribution Geothermal Power Generation Projects and the Roles of Local Government and Residents

Case Study of the Waita Geothermal Power Plant in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture

Abstract

Progress in the development of renewable energy that utilizes the abundant resources in rural areas is expected, but the lack of local independence in development remains an issue. We used the Waita geothermal power plant in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture, as a case study and interviewed local government, residents, and developers to clarify the strategy of community-contribution geothermal power projects and the roles of local government and residents. The business entity was a limited liability company invested by local residents, and a plan by which the operation and management of power plants is outsourced to external operators was implemented so that residents would have the right to make decisions and determine how the proceeds from selling electricity will be used. Additionally, the local government utilized two consultative bodies to coordinate the interests of business operators and residents, allowing them to return benefits to the community and improve local receptivity to development.