Climate change impacts
The average temperature in Iwate Prefecture for the period 2076-2095 is expected to be 4°C higher than the recorded average between1980-1999 and the seasonal temperature approximately 4°C-5°C higher (see Note 1). It is also expected that the number of days in which the maximum daily temperature is ⩾ 25°C (natsubi), ⩾ 30°C (manatsubi) ⩾ 35°C (moshobi), minimum night-time temperature is ⩾ 25°C (nettaiya) will increase, while days with a minimum temperature ⩽ 0°C (fuyubi), and maximum daily temperature ⩽ 0°C (mafuyubi) will decrease (see Note 2). More specifically, the number of natsubi is expected to increase by approximately 60 days a year, and fuyubi to decrease by about 70. This rise in summer temperatures, together with other factors, may increase peak demand of electricity. In addition, the frequency of short duration torrential rains has followed an upward trend in the past 30 years, which is expected to continue, and there are concerns of a consequent increase in flash floods and sediment-related hazards.
Adaptation activity
Iwate Prefecture is actively promoting renewable energy and energy-saving technologies, and is working to build a self-sustaining and decentralized power grid with enhanced disaster resilience. As one of these initiatives, we are focusing on the utilization of hydrogen, which can be stably stored for a long period of time and can be transported. In order to promote the development of hydrogen stations in the prefecture, the prefectural government updates residents on the current status of hydrogen stations, fuel cell vehicles, etc. with the aim of fostering momentum. In addition, the "Iwate Prefectural Hydrogen Stations, and Related Issues Study Group," has been set up to hold public meetings and site inspections of work-in-progress to further research and development.
Outputs / Expected benefits
In the event of major power outages, stored hydrogen produced from solar energy can be used to generate heat and electricity (Fig. 1). Also, in the case that the gas or water supply has not been interrupted, household fuel cells (ENE-FARM), that are triggered by the main power grid going offline, can independently provide electrical power and heat water for residential properties with electricity generated from hydrogen (Fig. 2). In addition, fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and buses (FC buses) which run on hydrogen are superior to electric vehicles (EVs) when used as external power supplies (see Note 3). With this ability to function as distributed power sources, FCVs and FCs can be used as emergency generators for individual homes and evacuation centers, and are also expected to be useful for businesses in developing BCPs (Note 4) (Figure 3). Thus, the utilization of hydrogen as discrete and decentralized power sources can complement the existing power grid (Note 5), and it is expected to help cities become more disaster-resistant.
Footnote
(Note 1) Based on the simulation result using IPCC RCP 8.5 scenario by Japan Meteorological Agency (Meteorological Agency, 2017)
(Note 2) Definition of weather terms: natsubi (maximum daily temperature of 25°C or more), manatsubi (maximum daily temperature of 30°C or more), moshobi (maximum daily temperature of 35°C or more), nettaiya (minimum daily temperature of 25°C or more), fuyubi (minimum daily temperature of 0°C or less), and mafuyubi (maximum daily temperature of 0°C or less)
(Note 3) This refers to the function of supplying electric power from automobiles to an external outlet.
(Note 4) The primary goal of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is that critical operations are not interrupted when hazards such as natural disasters occur. It also means to strategically prepare business continuity in times of normal operation, in order to minimize disruption to key functions within a target recovery time.
(Note 5) This refers to the entire system composed of connected power facilities used for power generation, transmission, substations and distribution.
