New construction at renewables showcase

The town of Kusumaki in Iwate prefecture plans to complete construction this month of three NEG Micon 400 kW wind turbines, which will be part of its "Eco World" showcase of clean energy. In this so called "third party sector project," the federal government's New Energy Development Organisation (NEDO) has put up half of the total costs (Windpower Monthly, May 1998), estimated at JPY 600 million. Developer Ecopower Co Ltd will pay 47% of the remaining costs, while Kusumaki will pay 25% and three private companies the rest. The power generated from the wind turbines will be sold to the local electricity utility on a 17 year contract. Project planners expect to break even after about ten years. Kusumaki plans to build a 70 kW solar power station next year at Eco World, with a bio energy project using animal waste.x