特集論説
地熱開発に向けた地域共生の取り組み
2019 年 42 巻 2 号 p. 15-20
詳細
2019 年 42 巻 2 号 p. 15-20
After the Fukushima nuclear incident in 2011, promoting the diffusion of renewable energy has been an urgent issue in Japan. Among renewable sources with stabilized supply characteristics, geothermal resources have been recognized as base load power for geothermal areas. Both Japan and New Zealand are located on the Pacific volcanic ring and have prospects for geothermal power. However, although geothermal power supply has been rapidly increasing in New Zealand, Japanese geothermal projects have been struggling against development barriers steming from social aspects. This paper compares the planning systems for geothermal development in Japan and New Zealand and clarifies the lessons to be learned for making the Japanese geothermal planning system and assessment process more efficient and effective in terms of risk management and consensus building. As a result, a local planning system based on the first nation-led initiative, called the Iwi Management Plan (IMP), seems to have a crucial role in reflecting the historical and cultural values of citizens in the official regional geothermal resource management policies. Stakeholder consultations during IMP development process contribute to the assessment of social impacts from development projects regarding traditional geothermal uses. These institutional points are applicable to the Japanese statutory process of geothermal development.
