Signing the “Prospectus for Preparation of Joint Research and Development Related to Regional Energy”
On March 28, 2016 (Mon), a signing ceremony was held for the “Prospectus for Preparation of Joint Research and Development Related to Regional Energy” in the Kagoshima City Community Hall.
By taking advantage of the abundant renewable energy and mutually accommodating both regions, Miyama City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kimotsuki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture will join their efforts to promote smart grid architecture to further encourage renewable energy usage that does not rely on FIT (Feed-in Tariff). This is the first time in Japanese history that local municipalities sign a collaboration agreement.
Kyushu University has already started a pilot project (*1) for energy data usage with Miyama City. We plan to continue in joint research and development with Kimotsuki Town regarding energy consumption analysis and development of added value (*2). This led to the signing of the “Prospectus for Preparation of Joint Research and Development Related to Regional Energy”.
*1 Miyama City has established “Miyama Smart Energy”, Japan’s first electricity trading business by a local municipality. It currently offers locally produced and consumed energy, energy conservation and life support services using energy data, and has started a pilot project with Kyushu University.
*2 Kimotsuki Town is a “Space City,” home to “Uchinoura Space Center.” With facilities such as photovoltaic, wind, small hydraulic power plants and heat supply facility utilizing woody biomass, it carries abundant renewable energy that allows self-sufficient energy production. The town plans to proceed with collaboration efforts with Kyushu University in energy consumption analysis of local energy and development of new added values.
The signing ceremony was held as detailed below.
<Program of Ceremony>
1 Opening
2 Overview of the Agreement/Prospectus
Mr. Shuichi Minezaki, Policy Planning and Coordination Division Manager
Yoichi Korehisa, Manager of Center for Co-Evolutional Social Systems, Kyushu University
3 Signing
(1) “Agreement of Cooperation for Utilizing Local Renewable Energy”
Kimotsuki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
Miyama City, Fukuoka Prefecture
(2) “Prospectus for Preparation of Joint Research and Development Related to Regional Energy”
Kimotsuki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
Research and Education Center of Carbon Resources
Center for Co-Evolutional Social Systems, Kyushu University
4 Greetings from Sponsors
Mr. Kazuyuki Nagano, Mayor of Kimotsuki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
Mr. Chikashi Nishihara, Mayor of Miyama City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Junichiro Nagabayashi, Manager of Research and Education Center of Carbon Resource
Yoichi Korehisa, Manager of Center for Co-Evolutional Social Systems, Kyushu University
5 Congratulatory Speech by Witnesses
Mr. Hiroyasu Horio, Director of Economic Policy Department, Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
6 Closing
7 Photo Shoot
8 Press Conference
