Hidden problems with renewable energy in Japan

Japan and the rest of the world are ramping up efforts to fight climate change. As part of this, Japan has just released the 6th update of its energy plan, which has an increased focus on renewable energy.

Renewables are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the road to a sustainable future comes with several challenges. Most people are aware of the sheer scale and effort required for renewable energy infrastructure. The initial capital investment is enormous. Logistical issues must also be tackled. Some forms of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, take up large amounts of space for sufficient power generation. They also have expensive storage costs and can be less consistent in energy creation than fossil fuels.

Lesser-known issues especially prevalent in Japan include the risk of natural disasters damaging renewable infrastructure, the impact of renewable construction on everyday life and unethical behavior in the business. An NHK report details several of these problems and the impacts on residents and industry.

Japan to consider negative effects on infrastructure sites

While there is still progress to be made, there is a rapid push for sustainable energy that has impacted certain regions of Japan. Japanese prefectures such as Yamanashi have seen a significant increase in solar panels. Residents have expressed concern about the mass cutting down of trees to make room for solar panels.

Depending on where renewable infrastructure is installed, there is also a risk of it being damaged by weather or natural disasters. A 2019 typhoon caused landslides that destroyed solar infrastructure in Saitama Prefecture. Japan’s mountainous terrain means many solar panels are built on rocks and hilly areas, which can be high-risk places for landslides. According to the NHK report, a significant number of solar panels across Japan are built in these risky areas. Some experts have called for better land regulations and for local residents’ concerns to be heard regarding renewable installations.

Though renewable energy is necessary and an overall benefit for the environment, this kind of damage from natural disasters is not the only possible negative effect. The large amounts of land required for sustainable energy sources has great impacts on natural environments and wildlife. Wind turbines are involved in accidental deaths of birds, and hydroelectric dams disrupt life patterns and migration routes for sea life.

Energy companies’ unethical practices and logistical concerns

Renewable energy is an industry like any other and is vulnerable to unethical behavior. Some companies have been deceptive about their energy materials and have disregarded regulations for their own benefit. One company involved in biomass energy production has been mixing in cheaper wood chips with more expensive ones in order to affect the price.

Other businesses have flouted regulations for their advantage. For example, solar energy facilities that generate more than 50kw of high pressure are subject to inspections. On the other hand, facilities that generate less than 50kw are not. This has led some companies to intentionally break down their facility space to avoid running costs, which is prohibited by Japanese regulations.

There are also logistical concerns regarding renewable energy output control. Solar energy is less stable than other forms of energy due to being dependent on time and weather conditions. This can lead to less consistent energy access. However, if the amount of solar energy generated exceeds demand from homes and businesses, this can also lead to power outages. In 2020, power companies in Kyushu were requested by Kyushu Electric Power to limit their output for 36 days.

Renewable energy is necessary for the future and an overall benefit. However, like any issue, there are no easy answers, and there will always be certain obstacles. The shift to renewable energy is a massive undertaking, and these problems must be carefully considered as the world strives for a carbon-neutral future.