Tsuyama Waterworks Generates Electricity from Drinking Water

Odanaka water treatment plant in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture has been generating hydroelectric power since January 16, 2007. This is the seventh case of producing electricity from the water supply in Japan, and the first in the Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyusyu regions in the western part of the country.

The power plant was installed near the first water reservoir. Flowing into the reservoir with a 45-meter of vertical drop, clean tap water can generate flow-down energy capable of turning water turbines to yield electricity. The CO2 reductions are estimated to be 35 tons a year, which is equivalent to 130 trips between Tokyo and Osaka by car.

The project cost approximately 50 million yen (about US$424,000). Thirty percent of the total costs were obtained from NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization). Although recouping the initial investment will take 15 to 20 years, the city hopes to promote energy conservation in order to prevent global warming by using less power in the production of clean tap water.

http://www.city.tsuyama.lg.jp/index.cfm/1,0,14,15,html

Posted: 2007/05/17 03:47:19 PM
Japanese version