Taking advantage of the power of winds to revitalize the sea, mountains and town
The mountains, sea and town are intimately connected with Mother Nature. Melted snow water from the surrounding fertile mountains flows into the river and feeds the sea, and the blessings of the sea provide a livelihood for the people in the town. However, the town is now seeing a gradual change in the amount of annual fish catch and timing of harvesting, due to factors such as rising sea temperatures and altered ocean flow patterns caused by global warming, as well as the seaweed withering phenomenon known as 'iso-yake'.
![[Image] Mayor Kataoka](/environment/showcase/customer/case_vol1/images/case_name01.gif){kind=small}
Initially, the environment was not much of a concern, as we focused more on generating profits from the wind farm operations. However, we realized that in order to bring energy into Suttsu Town, we must restore nature to its natural state. For this purpose, we are actively reinvesting the profits from wind farm operations into the development of the mountains, sea and town. Our profits are still very small, but we need to be grateful for the blessings of the winds. Without the winds, we wouldn't have been able to raise these profits in the first place.
![[Image] Suttsu Bay](/environment/showcase/customer/case_vol1/images/cace_12.jpg)
Sea urchins are found nearly everywhere along the coast. Even though they are a common sight, it is strictly prohibited to harvest sea urchins, for they are precious marine resources. Even in this rich ocean environment, the seaweed withering phenomenon has become an increasingly serious problem.
As part of the sea development activities, the town developed a technology for creating seaweed beds, which they tested at a special site in Suttsu Bay. The testing proved a great success.
Artificial seaweed beds are created using steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, and leaf compost, both being sunk into the sea to cultivate seaweed. It has been seen as a promising new technology that enables quick cultivation of seaweed, such as kelp, in a matter of six months or so.
Fishing is an important means of livelihood for Suttsu Town. Reinvesting the profits from wind farm operations into revitalization of the marine environment would in turn help drive the town revitalization initiative.
![[Image] Mountain scenery covered with immature small trees.](/environment/showcase/customer/case_vol1/images/cace_13.jpg)
When herring fishing was at its peak, many trees were cut down for fuel. The effects can still be seen, as the mountains surrounding the town are covered with small trees not yet fully grown.
As part of the mountain development initiatives, the town is focusing on forest conservation activities and environmental conservation activities based on the concept of forest development. The Kuromatsunai Lowland that lies around Suttsu Town is home to a beech forest, and is recognized as the northern limit of this tree species. The Beech is called the 'Mother Tree' for its ability to trap rainwater and keep the mountains in their healthy state. Fallen leaves nourish the soil, allowing nutrients to seep into the ground and be carried to the sea by the river. The resultant nutrient/mineral-rich seawater feeds the plankton and nurtures seaweed, bringing blessings to us human beings.
As part of the town revitalization project, the town is now working on establishing a home doctor system. It was the closure of the local hospital that prompted the town to overhaul its medical system. Fortunately, the town was able to partner with a hospital in Muroran, and is now receiving support from doctors, nurses and X-ray operators in Muroran.
I strongly believe that passion can make a difference. I dedicated myself to turning my passion into reality. If the wind farm project works, people in the town will be happy. My remaining mission is to create a town where people can live in harmony with nature.
Building wind power stations is an initiative that symbolizes clean energy and environmental consideration. What is unique about Suttsu is its attempt to reinvest profits from wind farm operations into seaweed breeding, a form of 'Marine Afforestation', as well as 'Mountain Afforestation.' In other words, in addition to reducing CO2 emissions by operating wind farms, Suttsu is also working on promoting CO2 absorption (global warming prevention) with sea and mountain afforestation initiatives as well as ecosystem and biodiversity conservation activities.
Suttsu Town is thus trying to create a virtuous Eco cycle of 'success breeds success', an attempt to achieve true sustainability.
Revitalization of the local fishing environment will result in the revitalization of the local fishing industry and the town itself. This will translate into a better medical and welfare system supported by the home doctor system.
![[Image] Outline drawing of wind power generation](/environment/showcase/customer/case_vol1/images/cace_14.jpg)
'Eco' for the people and 'Eco' for the town has taken deep root in Suttsu Town. Mayor Kataoka said distinctly that there is 'no end to what he will do to make the town an even better place.' It seemed to me that his unswerving commitment to the town is supported by the wind farms he helped to develop.
The Hitachi Group is supporting Suttsu's wind farm projects. It is a good example of how we can successfully meet the 'Environment Vision 2025' goal of reducing annual CO2 emissions associated with our products by 100 million tons in fiscal 2025.
Overview of the wind power station facilities in Suttsu Town
![[Image] Map of wind power generation facilities in Suttsu Town](/environment/showcase/customer/case_vol1/images/cace_15.gif)
Suttsu Onsen 'Yubetsu No Yu' wind power station
230kW (230kW x 1): Operations started in 1999
- Pole height: 36.6m - Cut-in speed: 2.5m/s
- Rotor diameter: 30m - Cut-out speed: 25m/s
- Generator: Multi-pole synchronous generator
'Kotobuki No Miyako' wind farm
1,800kW (600kW x 3): Operations started in 2003
- Pole height: 46m - Cut-in speed: 2.5m/s
- Rotor diameter: 44m - Cut-out speed: 25m/s
- Generator: Multi-pole synchronous generator
The wind turbine system used in 'Kotobuki No Miyako' wind farm (ENERCON E 40 wind turbine) is a Hitachi Group Eco-Product.
Futa Wind Farm
9,950kW (1,990kW x 5): Operations started in 2007
- Pole height: 64m - Cut-in speed: 2.5m/s
- Rotor diameter: 71m - Cut-out speed: 25m/s
- Generator: Multi-pole synchronous generator
Further information on our business operations and products
The wind turbine systems used in Suttsu Town were manufactured by ENERCON, a German manufacturer. Hitachi Engineering and Services is providing a comprehensive solution for the ENERCON systems, ranging from wind condition measurement at the time of installation to designing, deployment and maintenance.
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