An Analysis of a Community Redevelopment Program Utilizing a Siphon-Type Small Hydropower Plant in Fukui Prefecture

Abstract

The Japanese government has increasingly promoted renewable energy since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 (an event which locals colloquially refer to as “3/11”), a powerful seismic occurrence originating in the Tohoku Area that triggered an accident at Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Plant. Small hydropower energy has garnered significant attention among various renewable energy options due to its potential for local production, consumption, and utilization as well as the abundance of potential plant sites in Japan and nonproduction of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., CO₂). One NPO in Ohi Town, Fukui Prefecture, built a siphon-type small hydropower plant at a local check dam as part of a community revitalization initiative. Construction concluded in November 2021, and the facility began operations the following month. The NPO plans to allocate a portion of the energy sales revenue to the launch of several redevelopment programs. These programs include: (a) cleanup of the Minamigawa (South River) to enable the passage of more ayu (sweet fish) along the river, and (b) forest maintenance to aid in the contain of rainwater as an additional resource for the small hydropower plant. Furthermore, the NPO plans to organize local recreation events such as firefly watching and power plant tours. The present study utilizes several analytical methods in its analysis of the economic and social impact of the Minamigawa Small Hydropower Plant program.