Niigata’s Green Future: The History and Outlook of Environmental Technology—From 1996 to the 2020s

Niigata's Green Future: The History and Outlook of Environmental Technology—From 1996 to the 2020s

In Niigata Prefecture, environmental technology research began in earnest in 1996, marking the start of efforts to balance regional economic development with environmental conservation. That same year, the Niigata Environmental Technology Research Center, established in Minami Ward, Niigata City, began operations with a facility capable of processing 200 tons of waste per day, supplying 10,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. This amount of electricity was equivalent to the needs of approximately 2,000 households, and the center achieved the feat of reducing dioxin emissions to less than one-fifth of the standard limit by utilizing technology from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

In Nagaoka City, biomass power generation utilizing 5,000 tons of waste wood and rice straw per year was underway, supplying 3,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually to local factories and facilities. This technology supported local industry while contributing to improved waste utilization rates.

In the 2020s, a facility in Minami Ward, Niigata City, expanded to a capacity of 400 tons of waste per day, doubling annual power generation to approximately 20,000 megawatt-hours. The power supply reaches 4,000 households, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' next-generation incinerator supports technological innovations that keep dioxin concentrations at one-tenth or less of the standard limit.

In Nagaoka City, a biomass energy project is underway that utilizes 10,000 tons of food waste annually, in addition to waste wood and rice straw, to generate 7,000 megawatt-hours of electricity per year. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Sekisui Chemical, and the waste utilization rate has reached 85%.

In Tainai City, operations of a smart grid combining solar power generation and storage batteries began in 2022. By achieving a storage capacity of 30 megawatt-hours and supplying electricity to local factories and schools, the city has resolved the issue of power shortages during disasters. This system utilizes cutting-edge technology provided by Sumitomo Electric Industries.

Furthermore, in Niigata City, Plastic Innovation Co., Ltd. processes 5,000 tons of waste plastic annually and utilizes the resulting oil in petroleum refining. This technology has been recognized for reducing CO2 emissions by 30%, and efforts are underway to transfer this technology to other regions.

Over the past 25 years, from 1996 through the 2020s, Niigata Prefecture has paved the way toward a sustainable society through advancements in environmental technology, including raising the waste recycling rate from 45% to over 80%. These initiatives represent a crucial step toward preserving Niigata's rich natural environment for future generations.