Environment Ministry Selects Projects for Innovative Renewable Energy Integration with Water Infrastructure
Tokyo, Japan – August 17, 2025 – The Ministry of the Environment has announced the selection of projects for the “FY2025 Demonstration Project for Spatial Potential Utilization of Renewable Energy Technologies with Water Infrastructure (Second Call for Proposals).” This initiative aims to explore and advance the integration of renewable energy generation at water-related facilities, harnessing the unique spatial and functional characteristics of such infrastructure.
The announcement, made today at 15:00 JST, highlights the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions for renewable energy deployment, particularly in utilizing existing public assets. The selected projects are expected to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of various renewable energy technologies within the context of water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, water treatment plants, and waterways.
While the specific details of the selected projects are anticipated to be released shortly, the scope of the initiative suggests a focus on technologies that can be seamlessly integrated with water infrastructure without compromising their primary functions. Potential areas of exploration may include:
- Floating Solar Power Generation: The installation of solar panels on the surface of reservoirs or other water bodies, leveraging the large surface areas available and potentially benefiting from the cooling effect of the water.
- Hydrokinetic Energy Systems: Utilizing the flow of water in rivers, canals, or outfalls to generate electricity through turbines or other kinetic energy conversion devices.
- Geothermal Energy Applications: Exploring the potential for geothermal energy extraction from deep underground water sources or utilizing waste heat from water treatment processes.
- Biomass Energy from Wastewater: Investigating the conversion of organic matter present in wastewater into biogas or other forms of energy through anaerobic digestion or other biological processes.
- Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Developing solutions that can be retrofitted onto or co-located with existing water infrastructure, minimizing the need for new land acquisition and associated environmental impacts.
The “Spatial Potential Utilization” aspect of the project emphasizes a forward-thinking approach to energy generation, recognizing that water infrastructure, often occupying significant land or water areas, presents untapped opportunities for renewable energy production. This strategy aligns with Japan’s broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing energy security through the diversification of its energy sources.
The second call for proposals indicates a continued effort by the Ministry to broaden the range of innovative technologies and approaches being considered. This approach ensures that a diverse set of solutions, catering to different geographical conditions and infrastructure types, can be explored and validated.
The successful implementation of these demonstration projects is expected to provide valuable insights and data, paving the way for the wider adoption of renewable energy technologies within Japan’s extensive water infrastructure network. This could lead to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape while simultaneously enhancing the multi-purpose utilization of vital water resources.
The Ministry of the Environment anticipates that the outcomes of these demonstrations will inform future policy, investment, and development strategies for renewable energy integration with water infrastructure across the nation.
令和７年度水インフラの空間ポテンシャル活用型再エネ技術実証事業（二次公募）の採択について
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