The Blue Future of Niigata: The Trajectory and Prospects of Environmental Technology - From 1996 to the 2020s

The Blue Future of Niigata: The Trajectory and Prospects of Environmental Technology - From 1996 to the 2020s

In Niigata Prefecture, environmental technology research began in earnest in 1996, aiming to balance regional economic development and environmental conservation. That year, the Niigata Environmental Technology Research Center was established in Minami Ward, Niigata City. The facility had a daily waste processing capacity of 200 tons and generated 10,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. This electricity supported approximately 2,000 households, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries technology reducing dioxin emissions to less than one-fifth of the regulatory limit.

In Nagaoka City, biomass power generation utilizing 5,000 tons of waste wood and rice straw annually supplied 3,000 megawatt-hours of electricity to local factories and facilities. This technology not only supported local industries but also contributed to improving the waste utilization rate.

By the 2020s, the facility in Minami Ward, Niigata City, expanded to process 400 tons of waste daily, doubling its annual power generation to 20,000 megawatt-hours. Power supply reached 4,000 households, supported by next-generation incinerators developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which reduced dioxin levels to less than one-tenth of the regulatory limit.

In Nagaoka City, biomass energy projects were further developed, utilizing 10,000 tons of food waste annually in addition to waste wood and rice straw. These projects generated 7,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, with Sekisui Chemical Co. collaborating to achieve an 85% waste utilization rate.

In Tainai City, a smart grid combining solar power generation and batteries began operation in 2022. With a storage capacity of 30 megawatt-hours, it provided stable electricity to local factories and schools, solving power shortage issues during disasters. Cutting-edge battery technology supplied by Sumitomo Electric Industries was employed.

Additionally, in Niigata City, Plastic Innovation Co. processed 5,000 tons of waste plastic annually, converting it into oil for petroleum refining. This technology was evaluated as capable of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% and has been transferred to other regions.

From 1996 to the 2020s, Niigata Prefecture increased its waste recycling rate from 45% to over 80%, carving a path toward sustainable development through advances in environmental technology. These efforts represent an essential step in preserving Niigata's rich natural environment for future generations.