Saitama Eco-Town Project - Project Background, Purpose, Outline and Effects

Aug 24, 2026

Saitama Eco-Town Project addresses Japan’s post-2011 energy supply challenges by creating an energy local-production-for-local-consumption model in Saitama Prefecture. The project promotes so-ene energy generation and sho-ene energy saving through subsidies for home energy management systems and solar equipment, plus home retrofits with energy-saving features. Model areas support residents via community currency, household needs research, and participation from diverse businesses. Outcomes from 2012–2014 show strong participation, higher solar penetration than the prefecture average, completion by local companies, and a 22.5% energy self-sufficiency rate.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Purpose of Project

Outline of Project

Features and Advanced Aspects

Effects of Project

Planning Stage

Actual Effects

Problems and Responses

Saitama Eco-Town Project Saitama Prefecture Background Since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear powerplant in March 2011, resolving the supply shortages of electricity and other energy sources has become a major challenge for Japan. In Saitama Prefecture rolling blackouts were conducted and fuel shortages occurred, causing anxiety for local citizens. Purpose of Project We intended to establish a local-production-forlocal-consumption model of energy and spread the approach across the country, under the banner of reshaping Japan from Saitama. We are aiming to promote so-ene (making energy) energy production and enhance sho-ene (saving energy) energy-saving thoroughly through a variety of measures. As we implement the project, we are also aiming to promote local revitalisation. Outline of Project To implement the project progressively, we selected the city of Honjo and the city of Higashimatsuyama as model cities in fiscal 2012. One priority area (existing residential area where smart house functions would be introduced in existing homes intensively) was designated in each of the two model cities. In the designated areas, we offered subsidies to help residents install a home energy management system (HEMS) and solar power equipment, and refurbish their homes to add energy-saving features. We also introduced a community currency to support their purchases of eco-friendly home appliances. In addition, we implemented an "initiative project"in the city of Chichibu, the city of Sakado and the town of Yorii. Specifically, we supported programmes such as biomass-based power generation, community revitalisation using proceeds from the sales of electricity generated by solar power facilities at apartment complexes, and the introduction of solar electricity to municipal offices so they can be used as bases in times of disasters. From fiscal 2015, programmes will be carried out in the two new model cities of Tokorozawa and Soka, and a mini eco-town programme will be implemented in 19 residential areas in the prefecture in cooperation with the home builders that developed the areas. Features and Advanced Aspects ◆Existing communities are revamped, rather than creating a totally new community, to achieve an energy self-sufficiency rate of 22.5% . (In other words, this means that the amount of energy procured from outside the areas is reduced by 22.5%, through so-ene and sho-ene measures.) ◆Research is conducted on the needs at each household in the model areas, and support is provided accordingly to reflect residents'viewpoints. ◆Local economic revitalisation is pursued through the participation by a variety of businesses. ◆An eco-friendly shelter was developed, and local shopping districts were revitalised through the introduction of eco-friendly systems. Effects of Project Planning Stage Initially, we had considered creating a community-building model covering not only residential districts, but also business offices, factories and commercial facilities. As we pushed ahead with the project, we decided to target existing residential areas as "a model for changing Japan," or "a model applicable to any area in Japan," and to promote the project in the residential districts and surrounding areas. There has been no other programme designed to revamp existing areas in Japan, so we did not set a concrete goal. During the course of implementing our project, we tried to create an appropriate model. Actual Effects We examined the outcomes of the first three years (fiscal 2012-2014) and confirmed following results in the model areas that covered a total of 880 households. ◆The proportion of residents who participated in the project came to 44.0% . The penetration rate for solar power equipment stood at 18.4%, triple the level for the entire prefecture. Of all works related to the project, 92.7% were completed by companies in Saitama Prefecture. ◆The energy self-suffi

FAQs

What problem does the Saitama Eco-Town Project aim to solve?

It targets the electricity and fuel supply shortages and related anxiety after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident.

How does the project promote energy “so-ene” and “sho-ene”?

It encourages energy generation and energy conservation through measures such as home energy management systems, solar power equipment, energy-saving home refurbishments, and community-based programs.

What were the key results in the model areas during 2012–2014?

Across 880 households, resident participation reached 44.0%, solar penetration reached 18.4% (about triple the prefecture level), 92.7% of related works were completed by Saitama-based companies, and the energy self-sufficiency rate reached 22.5%.

Aug 24, 2026

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