An Analysis on Impacts of Small-Scale Hydropower Plants Utilizing Water Supply System : Potential Socioeconomic Impacts on the Local Community

Abstract

As a source of renewable energy, hydropower has a history of over 100 years in Japan, and has played a key role in Japan’s modernization and economic development as 100% domestically produced energy. However, most of the economically viable sites for hydropower generation in Japan, have already been completely developed. In addition, large hydropower development grows increasingly difficult these days, as people become aware that large-scale development leads to issues such as environmental destruction and the loss of history and culture. Japanese people are having a new look at small hydropower as a source of renewable energy. Small hydropower plants have supplied electricity at the local level for many years, utilizes local water resources, and does not require the construction of large-scale dams. This study focused on small hydropower plants utilizing water supply system. The Japanese government recently conducted a survey and found many potential sites for small hydropower plants based on water supply systems. This study analyzed how small hydropower plants utilizing water supply system could contribute for increasing renewable energy utilization in Japan and examined potential socioeconomic impacts on the local community.