Residential Divide over Wind Power - June 2004

Residential Divide over Wind Power - June 2004

In 2004, a plan to build a wind power generation facility was proposed in a scenic area in southern Nagano Prefecture. Serious conflicts arose among residents over the introduction of this renewable energy. While some were concerned about noise and destruction of the landscape, others hoped to combat global warming and revitalize the local economy, making it difficult to reach a consensus. In the early 2000s, after the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, the atmosphere for promoting renewable energy was becoming more prevalent, while the question of how local communities would accept it remained a major challenge. However, the institutional and ethical debate on how local communities would accept it was in its infancy. The accountability of the government and business operators was questioned, and the need for careful dialogue to gain the consensus of local residents was once again highlighted.