### History and Current Status of the Waste-to-Energy Facility in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture – From November 1997 to the 2020s

### History and Current Status of the Waste-to-Energy Facility in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture – From November 1997 to the 2020s #### Introduction in 1997 In November 1997, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, began trial operations of a waste-to-energy facility with the aim of reducing environmental impact. Utilizing subsidies from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the facility was equipped with two incinerators for processing industrial and household waste. It adopted a system where, out of a daily power generation capacity of 2,400 kilowatts, 1,200 kilowatts were sold as surplus electricity. This initiative was part of “thermal recycling,” which utilizes incineration heat, and garnered attention as a new approach to reusing waste as a resource. At the time, Kanuma City was actively engaged in recycling initiatives, such as promoting RDF (refuse-derived fuel), and was laying the groundwork for the growth of its environmental business sector. Although uncertainties regarding electricity sales prices and profitability were cited as challenges in the early stages, the project was expected to expand by leveraging the benefits of the investment in the power generation equipment. #### Developments in the 2000s In the 2000s, as policies to promote waste resource recovery advanced throughout Japan, Kanuma City’s waste-to-energy facility also began to play a vital role as a regional recycling hub. During this period, the city strengthened cooperation with neighboring municipalities to accept waste from a wider area, while simultaneously working to increase power generation and enhance exhaust gas treatment capacity. Additionally, aiming to streamline facility operations, the city introduced ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and established a system for managing data on waste collection and processing. This led to reduced operating costs and improved transparency in waste management. Furthermore, active efforts were made to raise citizens’ environmental awareness through school education and local events. #### Improvements from 2015 to 2016 After approximately 20 years of operation, the waste-to-energy facility had begun to show signs of aging. In 2015, a major equipment upgrade project was carried out, and by replacing the incinerators and exhaust gas treatment equipment, the facility’s efficiency was improved and its service life extended. This renovation project, supported by the Ministry of the Environment, was completed in March 2016. The upgraded facility incorporates the latest exhaust gas treatment technology, achieving reductions in dioxin emissions and improvements in energy efficiency. #### Current Situation in the 2020s In the 2020s, Kanuma City formulated the “5th Kanuma City Basic Environmental Plan,” setting a goal to achieve a decarbonized society by 2050. This plan identifies the local production and consumption of renewable energy and the promotion of energy businesses as key pillars. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens’ lifestyles have changed, and waste generation remains high. Consequently, Kanuma City is working to promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and strengthen proper waste sorting, striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal. Furthermore, the city is exploring the introduction of new technologies and policies to reduce waste disposal costs while enhancing the sustainability of the region. --- In this way, Kanuma City in Tochigi Prefecture has continued to evolve its waste-to-energy facility—which began trial operations in November 1997—by enhancing efficiency and strengthening regional collaboration in the 2000s. Following the completion of renovation work in March 2016, the city has set a vision for a decarbonized society in the 2020s and remains at the forefront of waste-to-energy utilization.