Iwaishima Islanders Establish '100% Natural Energy Project'

Copyright Funds to Create Millenary Iwaishima

The Iwaishima Islanders' Group against the construction of Kaminoseki nuclear power plant, on January 14, 2011, announced the establishment of "Funds to Create Millenary Iwaishima" to install solar cells and raise money. Following this, it set up the "Iwaishima 100% Natural Energy Project" aiming at 100 percent self-sufficiency with regard to energy supply on Iwaishima, Kaminoseki-cho, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

This group, consisting of large number of people on Iwaishima (population 516, as of April 2009), has opposed the construction of a nuclear energy plant since 1982. The nuclear energy plant is planned to be built in Kaminoseki-cho, Yamaguchi prefecture, in the Setonaikai district, which is located on the opposite shore of Iwaishima. The group, therefore, envisaged this project in order to protect and maintain the safe living environment for all living creatures on Iwaishima.

Initially, the group showed that Iwaishima could become energy independent by using natural energy. At the same time, they appealed for the protection of that valuable eco-systems that provide food to Setonaikai, and the culture and traditions of Iwaishima over the last 1000 years have aimed to create a future community.

Many experts in different areas, including the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP), have established support groups to take advantage of their own skills to support the project. In addition, the group has started the "1% for Iwaishima" program, in which individuals (including celebrities, such as artists or writers, and ordinary citizens), companies and groups can donate one percent from the sales of specific products. Thus, they provide financial support for the project.

The Current Renewable Energy Situation in Japan
The Current Renewable Energy Situation in Japan

Posted: 2011/06/02 06:00:15 AM