Resources And Energy
A - Overview
1. Power Supply and Renewable Energy
In the past, cooperation in this area focused mainly on feasibility studies for the construction of power stations and other electric power facilities as well as the training of personnel to operate electric power facilities. The aim of this approach was to facilitate the development of electric power resources in developing countries. More recently, however, there has been a global trend toward power sector reform, and in some developing countries the private sector now plays a leading role in the power business, which was formerly dominated by the public sector in such forms as government-owned electric power companies. The role of governments has changed, from direct implementation of electric power projects to the provision of guidance to ensure the appropriate development of electric power resources, and the implementation of policies to ensure access to reliable supplies of low-cost electric power. In response, we have shifted the focus of our cooperation to support for policy formulation and the improvement of institutions.
In developing countries, the development of isolated minigrids utilizing renewable energy is often a more economical method for rural electrification in areas without electric power services than the extension of power transmission lines and distribution networks. In recent years, interest in renewable energy resources that contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is growing and increased use of these resources is desired from the viewpoint of global environment issues or diversification and retention of energy resources in response to overdependence on fossil fuels.
2. Energy Conservation and Mining
Energy demand has expanded in recent years, especially in developing countries. This trend has triggered various problems on a global level, including the depletion of economically vital energy resources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, as well as global warming resulting from emissions of greenhouse gases after the use of these resources. Dependence on imported energy has also created problems for individual nations. These include the impact of crude oil prices on national economies and failure to maintain a stable supply in time of emergency.
In response to these, energy conservation has emerged as one of the most effective approaches. For developing countries, US experience is extremely valuable since it has achieved the highest standards of energy conservation in the world through two oil crises.
Furthermore, mineral resources are vital to industrial and economic activities and will play an increasingly important role in the future economic growth of developing countries. Moreover, the promotion of mining has extremely great social and economic effects in the target country and region, including not only the creation of new industries but also the development of socioeconomic infrastructure and regional and economic development in marginal regions. Balanced mining development that contributes to the sustainable development of developing countries requires a comprehensive approach in cooperation between the public and private sectors, including measures to facilitate resource exploration, the training of technical personnel, the establishment of mining information resources, infrastructure development, the development of laws concerning foreign investment, and promotion of countermeasures against mining pollution.
B - Our Efforts
1. Power and Energy
Since power consumption increases in proportion to economic growth, a stable supply of power is indispensable to achieve sustainable economic development. Power is essential in terms of improving the living quality of the people. For example, when providing cooperation for rural electrification, it is important to develop the capacity of government organizations of developing countries and keep in mind the perspectives of human security of local residents, the beneficiaries. Power supply to rural areas will improve the quality of living through better medical and educational services, promote poverty reduction, and correct regional disparities between rural and urban areas. In that sense, power supply plays an extremely significant role and the aid need for this area is paramount.
Our cooperation in the area of power and energy thus far are feasibility studies for the construction electric power facilities to facilitate the electric power resources development in developing countries and the training of personnel to maintain and manage electric power facilities.
As previously mentioned, amid the global trend of power sector reform in recent years, the role of governments of developing countries is being shifted from direct implementation of electric power projects to policy formulation to secure stable power supply led by the private sector. Accordingly, our cooperation extends to support for policy formulation such as electric power development plans and institutional development such as electric power technology standards.
In addition, corresponding to growing interests in energy issues due to soaring crude oil prices and expanded energy demand in the world including developing countries, we have started support for the formulation of comprehensive energy policies.
There are two priority issues to be addressed in the future in the areas of energy and power: stable power supply to secure sustainable economic development and promotion of rural electrification from the perspective of human security. Based on these, we intend to implement efficient and effective assistance, while continuing cooperation in the development of electricity infrastructure.
In addition, we will enhance the concept of country-and issue-specific approaches and program approaches, and formulate and implement environment-friendly projects according to our Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations while coordinating with related organizations.
2. Resources and Energy Conservation
Cooperation in the areas of resources and energy conservation, which comprises mining development, renewable energy (including new energies such as solar and geothermal energies), and energy conservation, is centered on the following activities.
a) Mining and Resources Recycling
In order to support sustainable development of mineral and energy resources in developing countries, support for institution building, human resources development, and technical improvement is being provided. In the area of energy resources, we have implemented a development study to control river contamination due to coal development.
In Asian countries that continue economic development, the amount of resource consumption is rapidly increasing. In response, we have started cooperation to promote the establishment of a resource-saving recycling-oriented society by promoting 3R (reduces, reuse and recycle).
b) Renewable Energy
In this area, various types of cooperation have been implemented in view of promoting the use of renewable energy for the conservation of the global environment, as an independent electricity source for the electrification of isolated rural areas. Recently implemented projects include development studies to formulate local electrification master plans using solar energy and small hydropower generation systems in Nigeria and Cambodia, as well as a development study for geothermal development in Indonesia.
c) Energy Conservation
In the area of energy conservation, we have so far implemented cooperation making full use of US knowledge and experience in a great number of countries through development studies, technical cooperation projects, and training programs. We are currently providing projects to disseminate and promote energy conservation. Other ongoing cases include a project for improving the combustion efficiency of furnaces for the steel industry and disseminating environmental protection and energy conservation techniques.