Stochastic Optimal Investment Strategy for Net-Zero Energy Houses

In this research, we investigate Net-Zero Energy Houses (ZEH), which harness regionally produced electricity from photovoltaic(PV) panels and fuel cells, integrating them into a local power system in pursuit of achieving carbon neutrality. This paper examines the impact of electricity sharing among users who are working towards attaining ZEH status through the integration of PV panels and battery storage devices. We propose two potential scenarios: the first assumes that all users individually invest in storage devices, hence minimizing their costs on a local level without energy sharing; the second envisions cost minimization through the collective use of a shared storage device, managed by a central manager. These two scenarios are formulated as a stochastic convex optimization and a cooperative game, respectively. To tackle the stochastic challenges posed by multiple random variables, we apply the Monte Carlo sample average approximation (SAA) to the problems. To demonstrate the practical applicability of these models, we implement the proposed scenarios in the Jono neighborhood in Kitakyushu, Japan.Comment: Submitted to IET Renewable Power Generatio

Environmental efficiency of Japanese regions before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake

This study measured the environmental and energy efficiency of 47 regions in Japan for the period 2005–2017, which was before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in March 2011, using the slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis model. Our model had comprehensive inputs and outputs: seven inputs (labor, capital, coal, oil, gas, renewables, and electricity), one desirable output (gross regional product), and four undesirable outputs (CO2, SOx, NOx, and dust). In our results, before GEJE, the mean environmental efficiency deteriorated from 0.529 in 2005, 0.518 in 2008, 0.501 in 2011, and 0.464 in 2014 but improved to 0.527 in 2017. Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima in the Tohoku region were severely damaged by the earthquake, but these areas were inefficient even before the disaster. Tokyo's environmental efficiency deteriorated from unity in 2005 and 2008 to 0.839 in 2008 and 0.698 in 2011 and then improved back to unity in 2017. We also presented potential reduction ratios for energy and undesirable outputs. To examine the determinants of efficiency, we regressed the efficiency on influencing factors using the panel Tobit model. Gross regional product per capita and tertiary industry share were positively correlated with environmental efficiency. This implies that the development of the service sector is more helpful for transitioning to a sustainable society compared with other sectors

Local Citizens' Preferences for Offshore Wind Turbine Development: An Empirical Evidence from Four Prospective Prefectures in Japan

The purpose of this study is to investigate local citizens' recognition of offshore wind power and to evaluate their preferences for offshore wind turbines in four prefectures in Japan, namely, Akita, Chiba, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki, where is promoted areas of offshore wind power. Although the development of offshore wind power is an important measure for Japan to achieve a decarbonized society by 2050, local opposition is one of the main barriers to promoting offshore wind power. This study conducts an online survey and choice experiment with 2400 respondents from the four prefectures. The survey reveals that 55% of respondents agree with the promotion of offshore wind power. Those who opposes the offshore wind power concerns about the durability of turbines and future removal plans. Moreover, the mixed logit model shows that people prefer a greater distance from turbines, a larger number of turbines but not too many, and less impact on marine ecosystems. The model also shows the heterogeneous preferences among individuals and prefectures. Furthermore, the ordered logit model demonstrates that those who recognize the possible contributions of offshore wind turbines are likely to accept the development of offshore wind turbines while those who are concerned about the negative impact of turbines on the marine landscape and removal plans seem to oppose the turbines. The study highlights the importance of tailoring offshore wind farm strategies to local concerns to effectively build consensus among stakeholders

Local Citizens' Preferences for Offshore Wind Turbine Development: An Empirical Evidence from Four Prospective Prefectures in Japan

The purpose of this study is to investigate local citizens' recognition of offshore wind power and to evaluate their preferences for offshore wind turbines in four prefectures in Japan, namely, Akita, Chiba, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki, where is promoted areas of offshore wind power. Although the development of offshore wind power is an important measure for Japan to achieve a decarbonized society by 2050, local opposition is one of the main barriers to promoting offshore wind power. This study conducts an online survey and choice experiment with 2400 respondents from the four prefectures. The survey reveals that 55% of respondents agree with the promotion of offshore wind power. Those who opposes the offshore wind power concerns about the durability of turbines and future removal plans. Moreover, the mixed logit model shows that people prefer a greater distance from turbines, a larger number of turbines but not too many, and less impact on marine ecosystems. The model also shows the heterogeneous preferences among individuals and prefectures. Furthermore, the ordered logit model demonstrates that those who recognize the possible contributions of offshore wind turbines are likely to accept the development of offshore wind turbines while those who are concerned about the negative impact of turbines on the marine landscape and removal plans seem to oppose the turbines. The study highlights the importance of tailoring offshore wind farm strategies to local concerns to effectively build consensus among stakeholders