The Kitakyushu Eco-Town Concept - From 1999 to 2023

The Kitakyushu Eco-Town Concept - From 1999 to 2023

**Background and Initial Concept (1990s)**
Kitakyushu City, after overcoming severe pollution problems in the 1960s, was recognized as an "Eco-Town Project" by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1997, aiming to transition to a resource-recycling industrial city. This concept aimed to promote recycling and effective use of resources, ultimately achieving "zero emissions." Waste recycling technologies were actively introduced, and pioneering efforts in collaboration with local compa...
**Facility Development and Technological Innovations (2000s)**
The core facility of the Eco-Town, "Kitakyushu Eco Plaza" in Wakamatsu Ward, developed technologies to fuelize plastic waste, reprocessing more than 10000 tons annually. Additionally, the waste-to-energy plant "Eco-Energy Kitakyushu" was established, capable of supplying electricity for 100000 households per year. Through demonstration tests and commercialization of recycling technologies, systems to reduce waste generation were established, and cooperation among industry, academia, and government was str...
**Public Participation and Education (2010s)**
In the 2010s, public environmental education and participation were strengthened, with around 20000 people annually attending educational opportunities at the "Eco-Town Environmental Learning Center." Learning opportunities expanded from children to adults, instilling environmental awareness throughout the community. Additionally, local companies such as "TOTO Corporation" and "Nippon Steel Corporation" actively participated in the Eco-Town Concept, contributing to advancements in recycling technologie...
**Technological Advances and Asian Expansion (2020s)**
In the 2020s, the Eco-Town Concept further developed with the establishment of new waste treatment facilities. At the "Kitakyushu Eco Plaza" in Wakamatsu Ward, 12000 tons of plastic waste are processed annually, along with the reuse of waste oil and tires, achieving 30000 MWh of electricity generation for the entire facility. Furthermore, collaborations with local companies, Kyushu Institute of Technology, and University of Kitakyushu introduced the latest biomass boilers, achieving an annual 20000-ton r...
**Expansion of Public Participation and International Development (from 2023)**
Environmental education has further expanded, with over 30000 people participating annually in the learning center. Additionally, 5000 citizen volunteers contribute to recycling activities and local cleanup, embedding environmental initiatives across the region. Moreover, technology exports to Asian countries such as Indonesia and Thailand have progressed, with Kitakyushu's technology supporting waste recyc...
**CO2 Reduction Targets and Future Prospects**
Kitakyushu City has set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 70 percent by 2050, aiming to establish a sustainable urban model through the Eco-Town Concept. Solar panel installations are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 100000 tons annually, and using waste-derived fuels enhances energy efficiency across the city. The Eco-Town Concept has gained national and international attention as a model case for sustain...