Abstract
The future existence of municipalities in Japan is under threat due to the sharply decreasing population. Consequently, the stimulation of regional economies is now considered an even more critical issue. Generation of renewable energy in Japan is currently small but stable, and is considered the foundation for the economic strategy in regional areas. However, the economic impact depends on the degree of participation by enterprises in the municipality.
This study used questionnaires to obtain financial information regarding energy generation stations, including investment by related enterprises. Based on the information obtained, this study constructed methods to estimate the economic impact (using disposable income, tax revenue, and the number of employees as metrics) of wind power generation in the town of Asahi, and small hydropower generation in Nyuzen. The study also investigated the possibility of every enterprise in the selected towns participating in renewable energy generation. Economic effects were estimated both using the business-as-usual case, as well as the case where all enterprises participate in renewable energy generation.
