In 2023, over 40% of Hokkaido's electricity was generated from renewable sources, almost double the national average and already surpassing the central government's target for 2030. With further growth expected in renewable energy, particularly wind power, the local government aims to increase the share of electricity from solar, wind (both onshore and offshore), biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and some nuclear energy to 60% by 2030. In comparison, the national goal is to achieve a 36-38% share of renewables by the same year.
While Hokkaido is open to more investments to reach this goal, several challenges remain: determining the grid's capacity for additional renewable energy, identifying who will finance the necessary upgrades, and understanding how local businesses and communities will benefit, especially since some of this power is intended for Honshu.
According to data from Hokkaido Electric Power Network, a subsidiary of Hokkaido Electric Power, renewable sources generated about 12.3 billion kilowatt-hours — or 41% — of Hokkaido’s total electricity output of 30 billion kWh last year. Hydropower accounted for the largest portion (15.6%), followed by solar (10.4%), onshore and offshore wind (8%), biomass (6.6%), and geothermal (0.3%).
“Hydroelectric power has always been Hokkaido’s primary renewable energy source due to abundant water resources. Solar energy follows in usage, and most of our wind power is currently onshore, as offshore wind is still developing,” says Shota Okada, an energy spokesperson for Hokkaido Electric Power.
Although the use of locally produced biomass, such as wood and livestock manure, is increasing, Okada notes that much of the biomass fuel currently used is imported.
Several factors contribute to Hokkaido's achievement of generating over 40% of its electricity from renewables. The introduction of a feed-in tariff in 2012 made it easier to invest in renewable sources like solar and wind. Additionally, the availability of cheap, abundant land has attracted both domestic and international developers to the region.
The goal of increasing renewable energy usage to 60% by 2030 is part of a broader initiative called "Hokkaido Valley," a corridor extending from Ishikari, a port city on the Sea of Japan coast, to Tomakomai on the Pacific side. The vision is for renewable energy companies to supply power to data centres in the area and the Rapidus semiconductor plant in Chitose, along with related businesses.
Last month, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki and Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto requested central government support to strengthen Hokkaido’s renewable energy sector. They highlighted two major challenges: the substantial investment needed to expand and upgrade the local electricity grid and the long construction timelines required.
Suzuki emphasised the importance of aligning support for Hokkaido’s renewable energy development with the government-backed Rapidus project. “Given the expectations around renewable energy in Hokkaido, we must ensure the success of Rapidus at all costs,” Suzuki told reporters after submitting their requests to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on July 25.
However, integrating more renewable energy into Hokkaido’s existing grid presents several difficulties. To address these, Suzuki and Akimoto urged the central government to provide support in several areas, including offshore wind development and improved grid connections to distribute renewable power.
They also called for the prompt construction of an underground cable to transmit Hokkaido-generated renewable energy to Honshu by mid-century. The government plans to have this cable transmitting 2 gigawatts of electricity from Hokkaido to Honshu by fiscal 2030.
Okada notes that Hokkaido's grid is smaller than Honshu's and was not originally designed to handle renewable energy. "If we don't strengthen our network, we won't be able to transmit the newly generated renewable power to those who need it," he explains.
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