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Strategic Siting of Hydroelectric Power Plants to Power Railway Operations with Renewable Energy

Author

Listed:
  • Masahiko Nakai

    (Japan International Consultants for Transportation Co., Ltd., Tokyo 100-0005, Japan)

  • Taku Masumoto

    (Energy Planning Department, East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo 151-8578, Japan)

  • Takashi Asaeda

    (Institute for Environmental Science, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan)

Abstract

The present study explores the strategic siting of hydroelectric power plants, focusing on the Miyanaka Intake Dam (MID) and Shinano River Hydroelectric Power Station (SHP). Built in 1939 to support Tokyo’s railway electrification, these facilities demonstrate the complexities of balancing renewable energy production with ecological conservation. Despite the high costs and energy losses associated with transmitting power from the Sea of Japan side, the SHP has effectively powered Tokyo’s rail system for over 80 years, owing to advanced transmission technologies and the region’s abundant water resources. However, river-crossing structures such as dams disrupt fish migration and habitats, necessitating the implementation of fishways. The MID fishway, continually improved since its construction, emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological considerations into hydropower projects. Our findings highlight the higher power generation efficiency on the Sea of Japan side and stress the need for careful site selection to ensure sustainable hydroelectric power while preserving river ecosystems. In conclusion, hydropower sites should be chosen based on both environmental impacts and future development potential to maintain the ecological balance and support long-term renewable energy goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Masahiko Nakai & Taku Masumoto & Takashi Asaeda, 2024. "Strategic Siting of Hydroelectric Power Plants to Power Railway Operations with Renewable Energy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7086-:d:1458799
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vanessa Ramos & Nuno Formigo & Rodrigo Maia, 2018. "Environmental Flows Under the WFD Implementation," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 32(15), pages 5115-5149, December.
    2. Menghao Wang & Shanhu Jiang & Liliang Ren & Chong-Yu Xu & Linyong Wei & Hao Cui & Fei Yuan & Yi Liu & Xiaoli Yang, 2022. "The Development of a Nonstationary Standardised Streamflow Index Using Climate and Reservoir Indices as Covariates," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 36(4), pages 1377-1392, March.
    3. Iwan Setiawan & Ristina Siti Sundari & Chay Asdak & Ganjar Kurnia, 2023. "Integration of Tacit and Explicit Strategies in Sustainable Livelihood Recovery: A Case Study on Project-Affected Communities of a Hydropower Plant in West Java, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-22, September.
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