Renewable Energy Planning Considering Spatiality

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17927
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 64060:Environmental policy and social systems-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Keeley Alexander Ryota 九州大学, 工学研究院, 准教授 (40875423)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 社会的受容性 / 再生可能エネルギー / WTP / NIMBY / 太陽光発電

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study on the social acceptance of renewable energy in Japan uses a new analysis that takes into account socioeconomic factors and spatial information using a machine learning approach based on GIS data. In particular, we show the manifestation of the NIMBY problem in mega solar power plants and identify the constitutive factors of social acceptability in this field. The results of this research were published as three papers in international journals, and opinions based on the results were exchanged with relevant departments of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and major electric power companies. In the future, we aim to contribute to policy formation and project implementation by quantifying the effects of land use change of renewable energy on ecosystems and deepening the assessment of social acceptability and environmental impacts in Japan.

Free Research Field

都市工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、再生可能エネルギーの社会的受容性に関する分析を、従来の社会経済的要因に加え、GISデータを用いた空間情報を踏まえた機械学習のアプローチで拡張した点に学術的意義がある。特に、メガソーラー事業におけるNIMBY問題の具体的な示唆は、再生可能エネルギーの普及戦略や地域計画において重要な意味を持つ。さらに、本研究成果の国際ジャーナルへの掲載及び政府機関や企業との意見交換は、学術界と実務界の架け橋となり、再生可能エネルギーの社会的受容性向上に向けた具体的な方策の検討を促進する社会的意義を持つ。