Describing Regional Energy Visions Using Citizen Workshops

(A Case Study of Suita City)

Abstract

Envisioning sustainable energy futures is a pressing issue to reduce CO2 emissions, ensure energy security, and maintain quality of life (QoL). This paper aims to describe energy visions on municipal scale by taking a backcasting approach. To brainstorm various ideas and views in a local context, we hold participatory workshops involving citizens, municipal government, and researchers. Additionally, we attempt to create imaginary future generations as participants in the workshops in order to reflect the needs of future generations in energy visions. A case study of Suita City is carried out in which backcasting scenarios are developed to describe sustainable energy visions both on demand and supply sides in 2050, followed by drawing potential policy options to achieve the visions.