Abstract
Are there any energy cooperatives in Japan? Some studies show cooperatives play a significant role in the German energy transition. This paper attempts to reveal energy cooperatives also exist in Japan.
This study addresses two cases. One is Sakae Gas Cooperative, a gas consumer cooperative in Niigata Prefecture. The other is Anbo Electric Cooperative, an electric cooperative in Yakushima- Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Both are community-embedded and have a meaningful contribution to the local economy.
From the two case studies, it is argued energy cooperatives also exist in Japan and have possibility to play some role in energy transition.
