Turning the Power of the Village into Fire -- The Challenge of Biomass Power Generation in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture (September 2006)

Turning the Power of the Village into Fire -- The Challenge of Biomass Power Generation in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture (September 2006)

At the time of 2006, Japan was approaching the start of the Kyoto Protocol commitment period, and reducing greenhouse gases and creating a recycling-oriented society were important issues. Against this backdrop, the city of Ota in Gunma Prefecture attracted attention for its biomass power generation efforts that combined agriculture and renewable energy.

Ota City and a local agricultural cooperative (JA) worked together to collect and process rice husks, vegetable scraps, pruning branches, and other agricultural waste from farming operations, convert them into fuel, and generate electricity at a biomass power generation facility. The recycling of organic waste, which had previously been disposed of, has given it new value, and has become a model for energy circulation within the community.

Behind this was the soaring price of crude oil at the time and the need for energy independence in rural areas. In addition, as an energy source for local production for local consumption, biomass had the potential to revitalize the local economy. Ota City's efforts attracted interest from municipalities across the country as part of a sustainable energy policy led by the local government.

More than just the introduction of technology, this system involving farmers, the government, and local residents was also an expression of the community's unified approach to environmental issues. As an example of the wisdom and ingenuity that can only be found in rural areas, the biomass power generation project was a challenge that symbolizes the "power of the village" in Ota.