Japan is a densely populated country, and that makes the Japanese market more difficult compared with other markets. If we utilize the possibilities of near-shore installations or even offshore installations in the future, that will give us the possibility of continued use of wind energy. If we go offshore, it’s more expensive because the construction of foundations is expensive. But often the wind is stronger offshore, and that can offset the higher costs. We’re getting more and more competitive with our equipment. The price—if you measure it per kilowatt-hour produced—is going lower, due to the fact that turbines are getting more efficient. So we’re creating increased interest in wind energy. If you compare it to other renewable energy sources, wind is by far the most competitive today.

If we’re able to utilize sites close to the sea or at sea with good wind machines, then the price per kilowatt-hour is competitive against other sources of energy, go the words of Svend Sigaard, who happens to be president and CEO of the world’s largest wind turbine maker, Vestas wind systems out of Denmark. Vestas is heavily involved in investments of capital into helping Japan expand its wind turbine power generating capacity. It is seeking to get offshore installations put into place in a nation that it says is ready for the fruits of investment into alternative energy research and development.

The Japanese know that they cannot become subservient to the energy supply dictates of foreign nations—World War II taught them that, as the US decimated their oil supply lines and crippled their military machine. They need to produce energy of their own, and they being an isolated island nation with few natural resources that are conducive to energy production as it is defined now are very open to foreign investment and foreign development as well as the prospect of technological innovation that can make them independent. Allowing corporations such as Vestas to get the nation running on more wind-produced energy is a step in the right direction for the Japanese people.

The production of energy through what is known as microhydoelectric power plants has also been catching on in Japan. Japan has a myriad rivers and mountain streams, and these are ideally suited places for the putting up of microhydroelectric power plants, which are defined by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization as power plants run by water which have a maximum output of 100 kilowatts or less. By comparison, “minihydroelectric” power plants can put out up to 1000 kilowatts of electrical energy.

In Japan, the small-scaled mini- and micro-hydroelectric power plants have been regarded for a considerable time as being suitable for creating electricity in mountainous regions, but they have through refinement come to be regarded as excellent for Japanese cities as well. Kawasaki City Waterworks, Japan Natural Energy Company, and Tokyo Electric Power Company have all been involved in the development of small-scale hydroelectric power plants within Japanese cities.

Are you interested in learning more about global warming?  If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the science behind global warming, the impact it will have on the planet, as well as ways that we can help to stop global warming, you will find that you have a number of different options. Although you can turn to news reports, books and other printed resources on global warming, and the internet, you may want to examine documentaries.

In recent years, documentaries have increased in popularity.  This is due in part to knowledge.  With the world constantly changing, and not just in terms of global warming, many feel “lost,” if they aren’t in the know.  This is the main purpose of documentaries, to educate, yet entertain viewers.  If you would like to learn more about global warming though documentaries, you will want to examine Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

Until recently, Al Gore was most well known for his role of the Vice President of the United States.  He served as the Vice President under Bill Clinton.  More recently, Al Gore has been known for his active role in the fight against global warming.  In addition to explaining the science behind global warming and in addition to describing the impacts it will have on our planet, Al Gore is also known for sharing the many ways that we, as humans, can help to stop global warming.  Many of these ideas are easy and affordable to implement.

Returning back to the documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, this is one of the most impact having documentaries you will likely see in your lifetime.  What makes this documentary unique and well worth the watch is the combination of scientific proof and passion.  Al Gore has numerous resources for you to examine on your television screen.  These resources include graphs, scanned documents from global warming cover-ups, and much more.  The passion in this movie comes from Al Gore himself.  He has as way about sharing his knowledge and information in a way that will rock you to your core.

Speaking of being shocked, this documentary, which is basically a recording of PowerPoint presentations Gore has given across the county and around the world, has a huge shock factor.  This is most commonly seen with before and after pictures.  Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the examples used.  The computer generated images that show you the impact on coastal flooding, which will result from global warming, will either leave your mouth gaping open in shock or leave you in tears.

Even though Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth documentary comes highly rated and recommended, by celebrities, scientists, meteorologists, other political figures, and everyday individuals, you may be unsure if it is worth the buy.  As a reminder, this documentary and others can usually be found for rent in one of your local video stores.

Despite being able to rent An Inconvenient Truth, as opposed to buying it, you may still be unsure if it is worth the watch.  If your movie tastes typically involve comedies, action, and drama, you may assume that a documentary on global warming is not the perfect match for you.  If that is the case, you will want to watch the previews or the trailer for this riveting documentary.  There, you will find the tagline “If you love your planet.  If you love your children.  You have to see this film.”  If that doesn’t send a tingle down your spine, what will?