Social Enterprise in Small Hydropower (SHP) Owned by a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) between a Food Cooperative and a Social Venture Company; a Case Study of the 20 kW Shiraito (Step3) SHP in Itoshima City, Fukuoka (Japan)

Zafar Alam,Yoshinobu Watanabe,Shazia Hanif,Tokihiko Fujimoto,Tatsuro Sato

doi:10.3390/en14206727

Abstract

There was an unprecedented growth of SHP (small hydropower) in Japan during recent years because the government has provided a high FIT (USD 0.32/kWh) for SHP development projects of less than 200 kW. The public and private sectors are committed to harnessing this natural energy to achieve the renewable energy goal as well as to improve local communities social and economic conditions. This paper will discuss about renewable energy initiatives by a food corporation enterprise (FCOOP) based in Fukuoka prefecture of Japan to reduce their net carbon emissions. A detailed approach for social enterprises-based SHP development has been discussed which will be a role model concept for other social enterprises in Japan and in the world that are willing to reduce CO2 emissions. Also, this kind of project connects urban stake holders with local community where resources are available and it leads to development of the local community living standards. As a demonstrated example, a case study of a 20 kW SHP installed in Japan by a FCOOP has been discussed.

Highlights

In modern life, electricity intervention has become one of the basic needs and a driving force
EFnrvoirmonamnenent vPierrosnpemcteivnetal perspective point of view, the Shiraito (Step3) SHP initiative contFrirboumteasntoentvhieroFnCmOeOntPa’lspeefrfosprtesctiovepproominottoefcvlieeawn,etnherSghyirsaoituorc(Sesteapn3d) StHo Pacihnietivaetivites cwonidtreirbsuutesstationatbhlee FdCevOeOloPp’ms efnftorgtosatlost,eascltehaenpernoejercgtypsroumrocetessarnednetwo aabclheievneerigtsy wgeidnerastuiosntabinyacbolenvdeervtienlgopumnuensetdgaovaalsil(aSbDleGws)a,tears itnhteo paruosjecfut lpproromdoutcetswreitnheowutabcolenseunmerignyg goernaefrfaetcitoingbiyt [c1o8n–v2e0r]t.ing unused available water into a useful product without consuming orInafcfaescetionfgpitar[t1i8c–u2la0r].SDGs, the Shiraito (Step3) SHP contributes to the targets of SDGs 7, 8 and 13
In this case study, it is concluded that SHP development projects can benefit the local community, investors, a country’s renewable energy target to reduce carbon footprint and enterprises to achieve their net carbon emission targets

Summary

Introduction

Electricity intervention has become one of the basic needs and a driving force. In some remote areas, this facility is inaccessible, and according to an estimation about 1.3 billion rural residents do not have access to electricity in the world [1]. There are many difficulties which must be endured by the community due to energy crises, e.g., lack of employment opportunities, hindered access to healthcare and education [2,3]. Current sources of electricity generation cause high CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Thermal power generation using fossil fuels has a significant impact on global warming [4]. To mitigate this problem, it was recommended that fossil fuels be replaced by renewable energy sources

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion