PONTIAN: Johor Baru and Japan’s Toyama, the capital city of Toyama Prefecture, plan to collaborate and undertake more projects and studies relating to Toyama’s (and Japan’s) Future City Initiative (FCI).
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said the FCI included mini hydroelectric power, compacting cities through public transportation and sustainable agriculture.
Also part of the FCI is renewable energy potential through study and development of mini hydroelectric power and solar photovoltaic in Iskandar Malaysia in terms of scale, technology and human resources.
This collaboration was part of Irda’s strategy and vision in developing Iskandar Malaysia to be a strong and sustainable international metropolis, he said.
Ismail told reporters during the launch of a new hybrid mini hydro generator on behalf of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin here.
The event held at Tanjung Piai National Park was witnessed by Toyama mayor Masashi Mori.
Ismail (right), Mori (second from left) and Pontian district officer Mohd Syukri Masbah (left) looking at the floating hybrid mini hydro generator model.Ismail said the pilot project was in line with the Johor Sustainability Policy (DKNJ) launched in October last year under Thrust Three, which was promoting green technology and sustainable energy.
It was also listed as one of the areas of collaboration between both parties through a letter of mutual understanding in February 2015.
He said Irda was promoting and facilitating the realisation of this project through its Low Carbon Society Blueprint (LCSBPIM) under the Action Five Green Energy System and Renewable Energy plan.
Ismail said the pilot project was also expected to be an attraction and showcase for the Tanjung Piai National Park for environmental education and tourism purposes.
It also gives an opportunity for local people to witness and learn from Toyama’s vast expertise and experience in the installation and maintenance of this green technology device, he added.
The floating mini hydro system uses relatively gentle river wave action and this power is then transferred to a hybrid power supply, with solar panels providing additional power.
As no land is required for this set-up, he said it is not harmful to the surrounding environment.
The project is expected to generate renewable energy round-the-clock, as there will be continuous river flow, and its water sources are from the sea and land.
Toyama City is one of the model cities selected by the Japanese Government under the Future City Initiative.
Toyama is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chubu region on central Honshu, about 200km north of Nagoya City and 300km northwest of Tokyo.
As of October 2016, the city had an estimated population of 418,142.
