Community-Led Micro-Hydropower Development and Landcare: A Case Study of Networking Activities of Local Residents and Farmers in the Gokase Township (Japan)

Abstract

This paper aims at clarifying the determinants that promote the community-based renewable energy development in Japan, with a special focus on micro and small hydropower. This paper analyzes a case study of the social enterprise that was established by the local residents and farmers in the Gokase Township, the purpose of which is to install and develop community-based renewable energy. To analyze the case study, we adopt the framework of the Landcare approach. The Landcare approach can be characterized by the following guiding principles: (1) a strong community initiative guided by local residents and primary producers; (2) a focus on local problems; (3) a holistic and integrated approach to tackling problems; (4) stress on community well-being; and (5) partnership and networking. There are similarities between the Gokase Research Institute of Renewable Energy (GRIRE) and Landcare in that they both focus on local issues that can be tackled by local citizens and take a holistic approach that includes not only hydropower development but also improvement in community well-being. This paper examines the fitness of each principle and reveals that all of them fit fairly well with the case of micro-hydropower development in Gokase. This implies that micro-hydropower development in Gokase can be qualitatively evaluated as sustainable from the perspective of Sustainable Development theory.

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“…This result conforms to the findings of Lipscomb et al 60 and Annys et al 61 Further, it is also in conformity with the study of Novikova et al 42 and Fujimoto and Kagohashi. 43 An increased level of investment in HC will increase the production of HP in the EU regions.…”

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“…These findings support the view of Lipscomb et al 60 Furthermore, it is also in conformity with extant studies such as Annys et al, 61 Emily et al ( 2019), Novikova et al, 42 and Fujimoto and Kagohashi. 43 By implication, it, therefore, means that sustainability in the HP industries could be attained by the EU14 countries when there is an increased level of HC development among the EU countries.…”

“…This finding also supports the views of Novikova et al 42 and Fujimoto and Kagohashi. 43 By increasing their level of HC development, the level of HP production could as well be increased.…”

“…The authors established that HC development could make a significant contribution to the sustainability of HP in Russia. Also, Fujimoto and Kagohashi 43 examined the relationship between community development and micro-HP growth in Japan. The study established that social enterprises set up by indigents or residents and farmers may serve boost to the development of community-based HP energy significantly.…”

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