By John R. Quain, Editor, Zero Energy News
(Dateline: July 23, 2008 - Kyoto, Japan) Here in the Land of the Rising Sun, I’m ostensibly visiting to learn about and witness the birth of the stationary fuel cell for homes. But on a related note to Gary’s recent post, the first ZEN-related things I noticed while out running along a promenade on Tokyo Bay were several giant wind turbines in the bay. Although my hotel room overlooked them directly, I didn’t even notice the gently rotating propellers until I was out pounding the pavement and studying the skyline. So apparently there’s no fear of such renewable efforts here. And the aesthetic impact in such an urban environment? Minimal at best.
It is true, however, that you won’t find every Japanese roof swathed in solar panels. To date, many of Japan’s efforts at energy conservation and reducing green house gases have focused on programs like “Cool Business” (though there is a significantly larger reliance on nuclear power here). Promoted for the last two years and initiated by the country’s prime minister at the time, the slogan essentially means adopting more casual business attire. It’s a seemingly a nominal change but by suggesting that businessmen abandon ties and jackets during the summer, companies have been able to turn down the air-conditioning systems to 28 degrees C or about 82 degrees F, thus saving money, energy, and reducing pollution. (It’s not an official regulation, simply a voluntary initiative.)
It’s a lifestyle change that has been remarkably successful in spite of the fact that some politicians at first resisted the change (one referred to the open-neck look as being like a lounge singer). However, “Cool Business” can mean making some personal sacrifices. And I do mean personal. I have been visiting offices and factories on what has turned out to be the hottest days Japan has experienced yet this year (98.6 degrees). So no one gets out of here without sweating.
On the other hand, Panasonic is hoping that such sacrifice won’t be necessary in the future. Its stationary fuel cells use natural gas to generate hydrogen and in turn generate electricity and hot water for homes. It’s remarkably efficient, making for a 22 percent reduction in green house gases over a gas powered electric plant (and much more efficient than coal or oil). Look for more on Panasonic’s efforts to commercialize fuel cells coming up on the Zero Energy News Web site.
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