NPOs Launch Disaster Relief Project Utilizing Natural Energy

Copyright Tsunagari and Nukumori Project

About 20 organizations, including the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP), a non-profit organization that conducts research and provides recommendations on energy policies, launched a disaster relief project utilizing natural energy on April 4, 2011. The project is called "The 'Tsunagari and Nukumori (Connection and Warmth) Project' of the Great East Japan Earthquake."

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, so many people have been forced to live in evacuation shelters under harsh conditions. Just after the earthquake basic infrastructure, such as electricity and gas supplies, has been damaged in many of these shelters with no prospects of recovery. For this reason, various organizations that aim to build a sustainable society based on renewable energy have jointly launched a project to provide energy sources, such as solar heat and lighting, and biomass fuels.

Specifically, the project involves providing electricity by installing a solar panels in evacuation centers, public facilities and temporary housing. At the same time, it involves providing hot water by installing a solar water heaters and providing a bathing facility service that uses wood boilers, particularly in areas where infrastructure is underdeveloped.

The project is making a nationwide appeal for making donations, reporting that with 350,000 yen, a minimum amount of electricity can be generated with a solar energy generating system of one kW, equivalent to one-third of average household electricity usage, with 300,000 yen, a solar water heater can be installed at one location. Members of the public can choose to support any one of these activities through donations. The project is further discussing the provision of pellet stoves in autumn and winter.

Citizen-funded Renewable Energy Projects Gain Momentum in Japan
http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/028569.html

Posted: 2011/07/04 06:00:15 AM