Think the Earth

Marubeni, a general trading company, has decided to make widespread "small-scale hydroelectric power generation" across the nation. Unlike dams, "small-scale hydroelectric power generation" uses mountain streams, irrigation water, and water and sewage systems to generate power.

The characteristics of such small-scale hydroelectric power generation are: (1) the impact on nature and carbon dioxide emissions are compellingly small, (2) there is little loss during power transmission due to decentralized methods, which create power where you use it, (3) only a short construction period is required as large scale construction is unnecessary.

The performance of the turbine generator and the power generation efficiency has improved, so since around 2007, near the beginning of the commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol , such technologies have been reevaluated resulting in the emergence into this technology by a large-scale company.

Geographically, Japan is suited for small-scale hydroelectric power generation. It is located in the Asian monsoon belt, has backbone mountain ranges that trap rainwater, and it also has a precipitous terrain with rivers flowing at a certain speed.

If small-scale hydroelectric power generation becomes more widespread, Japan's energy self-sufficiency will improve. The Ministry of the Environment estimates that Japan's ability to generate power through small-scale hydroelectric power generation will increase from 110,000 kilowatts in 2005 to 1.63 million kilowatts in 2020 and 3.02 million kilowatts in 2030.