Japan is a densely populated country and this makes the Japanese market more difficult compared to other markets. If we use the possibilities of coastal or even offshore installations in the future, we have the possibility of continuing to use wind energy. When we go abroad, it's more expensive because building foundations is expensive. But often the wind is stronger offshore and this can offset the higher costs. We are becoming more and more competitive with our equipment. The price - if you measure it per kilowatt hour produced - drops as the turbines become more efficient. So we're creating an increased interest in wind power.
If you compare it to other renewable energy sources, wind power is by far the most competitive today. If we can use locations near the sea or at sea with good wind turbines, the price per kilowatt hour will be competitive with other sources of energy, says Svend Sigaard, President and CEO of Vestas Windsysteme from Denmark, the world's largest manufacturer of wind turbines. Vestas is heavily involved in capital investments to help Japan increase its power generation capacity for wind turbines. Attempts are underway to build offshore facilities in a country ready for the fruits of investments in research and development in alternative energy.
The Japanese know that they cannot submit to the energy dictates of foreign countries - World War II taught them that the United States was decimating their oil supply lines and paralyzing their military machinery. They must produce their own energy and are an isolated island nation with few natural resources suitable for energy production as defined now. They are very open to foreign investment and development, as well as to the prospects for technological innovation that can make them independent. Allowing companies like Vestas to run the country with more wind power is a step in the right direction for the Japanese people.
Energy production by so-called micro-hydroelectric power plants has also taken root in Japan. Japan has countless mountain rivers and streams, and these are ideal places for the construction of micro-hydro, which the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization defines as power plants that run on water and have a maximum power of 100 kilowatts or less. In comparison, mini hydroelectric plants can provide up to 1,000 kilowatts of electrical energy.
In Japan, small and micro hydropower plants have long been considered suitable for power generation in mountainous regions, but due to their refinement, they have also been considered excellent for Japanese cities. Kawasaki City Waterworks, the Japan Natural Energy Company and the Tokyo Electric Power Company have all participated in the development of small hydropower plants in Japanese cities.
The Japanese know that they cannot submit to the energy dictates of foreign countries - World War II taught them that the United States was decimating their oil supply lines and paralyzing their military machinery. They must produce their own energy and are an isolated island nation with few natural resources suitable for energy production as defined now. They are very open to foreign investment and development, as well as to the prospects for technological innovation that can make them independent. Allowing companies like Vestas to run the country with more wind power is a step in the right direction for the Japanese people.
Energy production by so-called micro-hydroelectric power plants has also taken root in Japan. Japan has countless mountain rivers and streams, and these are ideal places for the construction of micro-hydro, which the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization defines as power plants that run on water and have a maximum power of 100 kilowatts or less. In comparison, mini hydroelectric plants can provide up to 1,000 kilowatts of electrical energy.
In Japan, small and micro hydropower plants have long been considered suitable for power generation in mountainous regions, but due to their refinement, they have also been considered excellent for Japanese cities. Kawasaki City Waterworks, the Japan Natural Energy Company and the Tokyo Electric Power Company have all participated in the development of small hydropower plants in Japanese cities.
