Denmark is a world leader in the field of offshore wind power generation. Izumi Tanaka, Commercial Officer (Environment and Energy) at the Danish Embassy, and members of Rera Tech Inc. talked about the future of offshore wind power generation in Japan. (Click here for the first part）
Danish people choose clean energy
Misaki When did Denmark start to turn to renewable energy? Since the first oil crisis, they have been promoting an energy policy that does not rely on nuclear power. Currently, there is not a single nuclear power plant in Denmark.
Tanaka In fact, during the oil crisis, there was a fierce debate in Denmark about whether to introduce nuclear power. There were those who supported its introduction, and public opinion was divided into two camps. The government then published a pamphlet that included the opinions of proponents and opponents of nuclear power generation, and asked the public for their opinions. As a result, after reading the book and understanding the advantages and disadvantages, many citizens decided against its introduction, and Denmark decided to build a society that does not depend on nuclear power.
Konagaya It's interesting to publish a booklet and ask for opinions.
Tanaka That's right. Maybe it's because Danish people love to discuss things. They listen to each other's opinions and then try to discuss and make a decision.
Misaki Before the oil crisis, fossil fuels accounted for 99% of electricity generation, but in 2020, renewable energy accounted for 7-8% of electricity generation. Looking at energy overall, renewable energy now accounts for 35%. Since shifting gears to renewable energy, we've been steadily approaching our goal.
Tanaka In fact, Denmark has set a goal of making renewable energy 2050% of its total energy supply by 100. So, although the figure of 35% is still in the early stages, I think we are definitely getting closer to the goal. In particular, "decarbonization," or completely moving away from carbon fuels, is a goal that will lead to solving not only the energy problem, but also the problem of climate change. Denmark intends to continue to work on this in earnest.
Misaki I've heard that Denmark is good at selection and concentration. In an environment where the domestic market is not very large, they were forced to choose what to use as their strength, and decided to focus on wind power and other renewable energy fields. Listening to Mr. Tanaka's story, I felt that Denmark is what it is today because the whole country made that decision.
--Is there anything that Japan could put into practice based on Denmark's experience and knowledge?
Tanaka Denmark and Japan differ in terms of population size, topography, and natural environment. However, we may be able to learn something from their mindset. Specifically, it is important to have a comprehensive view of the energy system and think about how to build an efficient system. In terms of "what to make efficient," efficiency from the perspectives of energy and the global environment is of course an important element, but I also think that economic energy efficiency, which takes into account the consumers who ultimately pay for it, is important.
Misaki Building an inclusive energy system can provide greater efficiency from both perspectives, right?
Tanaka That's right. If the mindset of those involved in energy, such as policy makers and companies, changes, I think a variety of initiatives will emerge from that.
Konagaya In Japan, there are still many people who are against the construction of wind turbines and have negative feelings towards them. What was it like in Denmark?
Tanaka Of course, even in Denmark there were many people who opposed it at first.
Konagaya How did you go about resolving that issue?
Tanaka As for onshore wind power, in the early days, there was a system in place where people who lived near where wind turbines were built had certain rights over the turbines. They became the owners of the turbines together. When the turbines generated electricity and made a profit, the profits were returned to the owners. This was a system in which benefits arose from erecting wind turbines. This system no longer exists, but such efforts were made for a long time. Also, if the price of land falls as a result of the erection of wind turbines, compensation will be provided. If anything changes to your life, compensation will also be provided.
Research into the health effects is also ongoing. A five-year scientific study was conducted in Denmark from 2014 to 2019 involving 55 households. After investigating the association between noise from wind turbines and the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, adverse birth events, effects of antihypertensive drugs, myocardial infarction, stroke, and effects of sleeping pills and antidepressants, the Danish Health Authority concluded that there was no direct association between noise from wind turbines and the symptoms investigated.
Konagaya What about offshore wind?
Tanaka In the case of offshore wind turbines, they are built far from people's habitations, so the problems that arise with onshore wind power are less likely to occur. Also, with regards to fishing, wind turbines are now becoming larger and are spaced farther apart, so fishing can be carried out once operation begins, although it is difficult during construction. As a result, there are cases where new fishing grounds have been created. However, if large dragnets are used, fishing will be impossible, so compensation is available depending on the fishing method.
New players revitalize the industry
--You two are active in the green energy field, Tanaka and Konagaya, and it seems you met at the airport.
Tanaka The first time I met Mr. Konagaya was at the airport in Copenhagen, Denmark. It wasn't because we had made an appointment or because we were working together, but because we happened to be on the same plane.
Konagaya It was before we launched Rera Tech Inc. My colleague at the time happened to be a graduate school classmate of Tanaka. Tanaka and that person were talking, and we were introduced to each other.
Tanaka We were both exhausted after the long flight.
Konagaya That's right. Since that encounter, we've had more opportunities to work together. We talked about "zoning" earlier, but we held a study session to introduce points to be aware of when introducing wind power plants, including examples from overseas, and to deepen understanding among local government officials, and we invited Mr. Tanaka to speak as a guest lecturer.
Tanaka I talked about how zoning is being implemented in Denmark and Europe, what it solves, and how it makes things smoother. I also talked about what society will be like after wind power is introduced, and introduced the example of Denmark.
Finally, please tell us what you expect from Relatec in the future.
Tanaka Japan has fewer venture companies compared to the rest of the world. In this context, starting a venture company in the energy sector and having it play an active role as a new player will lead to the revitalization of the industry. Therefore, I think the significance of starting Relatec is very great.
Konagaya This is especially true in Denmark, but the wind power generation business has a wide base. Just as the automobile industry is made up of many different industries, such as parts, materials, and processing, many businesses are created to build wind power plants.
Tanaka When new players come in and become successful, the industry itself becomes more active. I hope that you will work hard to expand wind power generation and help liven up the energy industry.
Konagaya Thank you very much.
*The discussion took place while maintaining a sufficient distance. Masks were removed only when photographing.
(Written by Izumi Kanchiku, edited by Hisae Sasaki)